edgarisapimp said:
Spain is looking towards youth this time around (i.e. Sergio Ramos, Torres, Reyes, Villa, etc.). Aragones is trying to refurbish their old image as being underachievers. Even if they don't win, I still think that a good showing here will do wonders for Spanish football. Spain has a tremendous youth program and the future looks bright.
The man who could play a crucial role in Spain's World Cup campaign is Villarreal's Marcos Senna. I thought he played brilliantly this season, and even though his club underperformed in the league, their run to the semis of the Champions League, had a lot to do with his presence in midfield.
I am an all time Raul and Real Madrid fan, but I would prefer starting with the two in-form strikers, David Villa and Fernando Torres. However I think Aragones will be using all three strikers during the course of the competition.
With no Vicente (I am certain England would have risked taking him, if he were available to play for them), Arsenal's Jose Antonio Reyes will probably start on the left flank. The centre of midfield has a lot of options with Senna, Xavi, Iniesta, Alonso all capable of doing a good job. The right belongs to Joaquin, who in my opinion is one of the best in the world in that position.
Defence is Spain's weakness, but then Spain, like Brazil are a team that believes in the policy of outscoring the opponents. Hence you have a lot of attack minded and goalscoring defenders in the team. Sergio Ramos and Carlos Puyol to play in the centre, with Michel Salgado and Asier Del Horno/Luiz Fernandes on the left.
Iker Casillas keeping goal, and another key player in the squad. Surely one of the top three goalkeepers in the world today.