World Cup 2022

The golden times of Xavi and Iniesta may have passed but Spain are starting to believe a new group of stars can lead them towards more memorable times.

With players like Pedri, Gavi and Ansu Fati blended with Sergio Busquets, Koke and Alvaro Morata, Spain might have a recipe for glory once again.

It was in 2010 that Spain lifted the trophy in South Africa and defeated Netherlands 1-0 in the final. The aim is to replicate that moment.

Who is the Spain manager?

Luis Enrique has been in charge since 2018 and is one of the most competitive coaches you could imagine and it’s his self belief that drives Spain forwards.

The traditional passing style of play will continue under his leadership but it is also evolving. He refuses to stand still, he is convinced he must keep finding new ways to adapt the model so that other nations can not replicate them or stop them.

The most important thing to him is that a player wants the ball and thrives on the ball. Bravery in possession is imperative and to complete commit to the style of play.

What tactics can we expect from them at the World Cup?

The 4-3-3 formation is - of course - going to be the model for Spain and the team will be encouraged to keep the ball and also press.

The same message of possession and short passing is ingrained in every single player - goalkeeper included. You must be willing to take risks on the ball and you must be brave to believe that this model of possession with intent will work. There will rarely be long balls or random shots from distance. Their passing method of play is calculated and clear.

 

Who are the players to watch for Spain?

Gavi is 18 but with the confidence of a player 10 years his senior. The Barcelona midfielder won the Golden Boy award for 2022 to underline his pedigree as one of the best young players on the planet and now he will look to show why on the biggest stage of all

He’s everything you want in a Spain midfielder - he’s got the pass and move thing down to a tee - and there is no doubt he will produce some outstanding moments if Spain progress deep into this tournament.

Who is favourite to be top scorer for Spain?

Alvaro Morata (best price of 50/1 to win the Golden Boot) scored the first and last goals of Spain’s qualifying campaign and will be the man they look to in big moments here.

He came under criticism at Euro 2020 but was backed by his coach and continues to hold the most power in front of goal.

His scoring record for Spain is just under one every other game with 27 from 57 internationals and his prowess and experience will count for a lot.  

How did Spain qualify for the World Cup?

Spain left it late to claim their place at the World Cup but Morata’s goal against Sweden did claim top spot in their qualifying group to keep them in high spirits.

They do not always go about things in a straightforward manner, but beating Sweden to top spot was an accomplishment and an exciting new era might just be on the horizon. Their biggest win was a 4-0 victory over Georgia.

What are the ambitions for this Spain team?

The aim of any Spain team is to win the tournament and this set of players will see things no differently. 

They made it to the semis of the Euros, the final of the Nations League and topped their group to make it to Qatar. That winning feeling is returning.

Spain World Cup Odds

They’re 9/1 to continue the winning ways and lift the trophy in December.

It is 12 years since they defeated the Netherlands to win the World Cup and while that crop have now passed through there is a feeling of something new emerging.

Winning it might be a step too far but they will pass and pass and pass the ball in hope they can write another exciting new chapter in history.

Spain World Cup prediction from oddschecker

With a young squad at his disposal and a clear philosophy of football, Enrique will hope to go one better than his side's Euro 2020 semi-final appearance but face a difficult group with Germany, Japan and Costa Rica. If Enrique's men do qualify they will likely face either Belgium or Croatia in the Round of 16. 

It won't be an easy task for this Spanish side with no real easy game but with youth comes fearlessness. With the talent available and a top manager we can see Spain reaching at least the quarter-finals.