minorthreat
08 Dec 2005, 02:04 PM
After a somewhat disappointing qualifying campaign, in which carelessly dropped points caused them to finish second in the group to Serbia & Montenegro despite going undefeated, Spain are looking to build off their crushing playoff win over Slovakia and maintain their momentus going into the next World Cup. However, two massive injury blows to guaranteed starters may harm their chances significantly if the players in question aren't match fit by next summer.
Prediction: quarterfinalists
Formations
1. 4-4-2
2. 4-3-1-2
3. 4-1-3-2
Probable starting lineup: Casillas; del Horno, Puyol, Marchena, Salgado; Vicente, Xabi Alonso (Xavi if fit in time), Baraja, Joaquín; Reyes (Raúl if fit in time), Torres
Manager: Luis Aragonés Suárez
The 'Wise Man of Hortaleza' is one of the best-traveled coaches in the Spanish game, with stints at Real Betis, RCD Espanyol, Sevilla, Valencia, Oviedo, RCD Mallorca, and Atlético Madrid to his credit. A no-nonsense coach with a reputation for rescuing clubs from difficult situations, he commands the respect of players and managers alike. He has, however, been faulted by some pundits for showing excessive loyalty to some players, most notably the underperforming Fernando Torres.
Goalkeepers
Iker Casillas
Club: Real Madrid CF, Caps: 55
Consistently rated among the top three goalkeepers in the world while still only 23 years old, Casillas has saved Real Madrid on countless occasions and will be a guaranteed starter if healthy.
Chances of making the final squad: 100%
Chances of starting: 100%
José Manuel Reina
Club: Liverpool FC, Caps: 2
After several excellent performances for Villarreal, Reina was brought to England by Rafa Benitez in order to take over the #1 jersey at Liverpool. A solid goalkeeper and a more than capable backup for Casillas.
Chances of making the final squad: 100%
Chances of starting: 0%
Víctor Valdés
Club: FC Barcelona, Caps: uncapped
After an endless merry-go-round of goalkeepers rivaling that of Manchester United, Barcelona seem to have finally found someone they're happy with in Valdés. He is also quite capable and will occupy the third slot of what will be arguably the World Cup's deepest pool of goalkeepers.
Chances of making the final squad: 75%
Chances of starting: 0%
Defenders
Asier del Horno
Club: Chelsea FC, Caps: 10, Goals: 2
A highly rated left back who is as good going forward as he is defending. He has an impressive goalscoring rate for a defender due to a cannon of a left foot.
Chances of making the final squad: 100%
Chances of starting: 70%
Carles Puyol
Club: FC Barcelona, Caps: 43, Goals: 1
One of the best central defenders in the world and an automatic first choice for both Barcelona and Spain. He can sometimes be a bit suspect in the air, but has more than enough pace to compensate for it and is never out of position.
Chances of making the final squad: 100%
Chances of starting: 100%
Carlos Marchena
Club: Valencia CF, Caps: 27, Goals: 1
A solid but temperamental center back who has established himself as a starter for Valencia following the departure of Mauricio Pellegrino. He may not find himself as first choice for Spain, however, as the question of a permanent partner for Puyol still has yet to be resolved.
Chances of making the final squad: 75%
Chances of starting: 50%
Sergio Ramos
Club: Real Madrid CF, Caps: 6, Goals: 2
Ramos has settled well into the heart of the Real Madrid defense following his big-money move from Sevilla over the summer, showing enormous potential in the process. He is, however, prone to errors in judgment resulting from a lack of experience, as shown by the fact that he has already collected multiple red cards with less than half the season having been played. Even if he doesn't end up starting, he will provide excellent cover due to his ability to play in central defense, defensive midfield, and at right back.
Chances of making the final squad: 60%
Chances of starting: 25%
Juan "Juanito" Gutiérrez Moreno
Club: Real Betis Balompie, Caps: 12
A solid and capable center back who is a product of Real Betis' youth system, Juanito is the last of the three main candidates to partner Puyol in central defense.
Chances of making the final squad: 75%
Chances of starting: 25%
Míchel Salgado
Club: Real Madrid CF, Caps: 48
Despite having come under fire recently due to his inability to perform as a wingback in Wanderley Luxemburgo's ill-fated tactical system, Salgado is still an excellent defensive right back and will almost certainly be first choice in Germany.
Chances of making the final squad: 100%
Chances of starting: 85%
Antonio López Guerrero
Club: Atlético Madrid, Caps: 7, Goals: 1
A capable wingback who forms part of one of the Liga Primera's stingiest defenses, Antonio López should provide good depth to Spain's squad.
Chances of making the final squad: 70%
Chances of starting: 30%
Pablo Ibáñez
Club: Atlético Madrid, Caps: 7
A young and talented defender who Aragonés knows well from his time as manager of the Mattress Makers. He can be relied upon to provide capable cover, but has little to no chance of starting.
Chances of making the final squad: 70%
Chances of starting: 15%
Oleguer Presas
Club: FC Barcelona, Caps: uncapped
Oleguer is something of a baffling selection - while he is one of Spain's best young defenders, he is a fierce Catalan nationalist and has refused to play for Spain on at least one occasion. Nevertheless, Aragonés has called him into camp, so we may be seeing the youngster in the shirt of La Furia Roja after all.
Chances of making the final squad: 60% (should he choose)
Chances of starting: 0%
Midfielders
Vicente Rodríguez Guillem
Club: Valencia CF, Caps: 38, Goals: 3
A guaranteed starter when fit, left winger Vicente is one of the few true superstars at his position in the world. Blessed with deadly pace and excellent crossing ability, he just might put in a breakout performance in Germany.
Chances of making the final squad: 100%
Chances of starting: 100%
Joaquín Sánchez Rodríguez
Club: Real Betis Balompie, Caps: 35, Goals: 4
While he was controversially omitted from the squad that faced Slovakia in the playoffs, Joaquin has since been called back into camp and will most likely start next summer. After putting in a series of excellent performances in the 2002 World Cup, Joaquin will be looking once again to shine at the highest level.
Chances of making the final squad: 100%
Chances of starting: 70%
Xabi Alonso
Club: Liverpool FC, Caps: 22
An excellent playmaker and passer, Xabi Alonso has been a regular fixture for both Liverpool and Spain for some time now. Next summer just might be his chance to establish himself as a superstar.
Chances of making the final squad: 100%
Chances of starting: 90% (60% if Xavi is fit)
Xavier "Xavi" Hernández Creus
Club: FC Barcelona, Caps: 33, Goals: 1
One of Barcelona's most vital players, Xavi currently suffers from a long term injury that puts his ability to play in the next World Cup in doubt. If he is fit, however, he will be an excellent asset to La Furia Roja.
Chances of making the final squad: wholly dependent on fitness
Chances of starting: also dependent on fitness
Rubén Baraja
Club: Valencia CF, Caps: 43, Goals: 7
One half of Valencia's pair of central midfield hardmen, Baraja has been a fixture in the Spanish national team for quite some time now. At 31, this could be his last World Cup.
Chances of making the final squad: 100%
Chances of starting: 80%
David Albelda
Club: Valencia CF, Caps: 30
The other half of Valencia's central midfield pairing, Albelda will most likely function as a backup to his Che teammate at the international level.
Chances of making the final squad: 75%
Chances of starting: 20%
José María "Guti" Gutiérrez Hernández
Club: Real Madrid CF, Caps: 14, Goals: 3
Good God, you just wish things would turn around for this guy at some point. His excellent performances have somehow been enough to secure him a spot with the Spanish national team, yet still have not proved sufficient to earn him a starting spot at Real Madrid. As such, he will most likely be a bit player next summer unless Real Madrid's manager du jour finally gives him the spot he both desperately craves and fully deserves.
Chances of making the final squad: 70%
Chances of starting: 20% (could increase substantially if he finally gets a regular starting role at Real Madrid)
Luis García Sanz
Club: Liverpool, Caps: 6, Goals: 3
One of the most capable utility players in the world, Luis García will prove to be an invaluable asset for Spain next summer in a variety of positions.
Chances of making the final squad: 90%
Chances of starting: 10% (100% chance of being used as a sub if he doesn't)
Pedro Munitis
Club: Deportivo de La Coruña, Caps: 20, Goals: 3
Despite being a victim of Real Madrid's squad clearout at the beginning of the galactico era, Munitis has managed to successfully resurrect his career at Deportivo in style. His chances of starting over Vicente or Luis García are slim, however.
Chances of making the final squad: 70%
Chances of starting: 10%
Francesc "Cesc" Fabregas
Club: Arsenal FC, Caps: uncapped
Despite being indirectly responsible for Arsenal's poor season (his performances while deputizing for Patrick Vieira last year were apparently convincing enough to fool Arsene Wenger into thinking that he could get away with selling Vieira), Cesc is nevertheless one of Spain's brightest young talents. However, he is still quite young, and stands virtually no chance of starting if he does end up making the final squad.
Chances of making the final squad: 40%
Chances of starting: 0%
Forwards
Raúl González Blanco
Club: Real Madrid CF, Caps: 92, Goals: 42
Forget what the pundits, naysayers, and haters spew about this man. Spain's all-time leading scorer is still a great player and leader, and it would be utterly foolish not to start him provided that he is able to recover from his injury in time for the World Cup.
Chances of making the final squad: 100% (if fit)
Chances of starting: 100% (if fit)
Fernando Torres
Club: Atlético Madrid, Caps: 26, Goals: 10
While he is in something of a slump following last year's breakout season, Torres nevertheless possesses incredible amounts of talent. He is almost certain to start despite a string of disappointing performances for Spain, largely due to his mentor-pupil relationship with Luis Aragonés.
Chances of making the final squad: 100%
Chanes of starting: 90%
José Antonio Reyes
Club: Arsenal FC, Caps: 15, Goals: 2
Reyes is an enormously talented player with quite a reservoir of talent, and is almost certain to make the final squad for Germany. He is unlikely to displace Raul as a starter up front, though.
Chances of making the final squad: 90%
Chances of starting: 30% (80% if Raúl is still injured)
David Villa
Club: Valencia CF, Caps: 4, Goals: 1
One of the hottest young properties in Spanish soccer, Villa has followed up an electrifying season at Real Zaragoza which saw him narrowly miss out on the Pichichi title with a string of top class performances for Valencia. However, he is unlikely to displace Fernando Torres in the starting lineup due to Torres' relationship with the manager.
Chances of making the final squad: 70%
Chances of starting: 0%
Fernando Morientes
Club: Liverpool FC, Caps: 42, Goals: 26
While his performances for Liverpool have yet to live up to the standards that he set at Real Madrid and Monaco, Morientes has nevertheless proved highly effective for Spain averaging a goal every two games. He will almost certainly receive a callup, and stands a decent chance of starting.
Chances of making the final squad: 90%
Chances of starting: 20%
Prediction: quarterfinalists
Formations
1. 4-4-2
2. 4-3-1-2
3. 4-1-3-2
Probable starting lineup: Casillas; del Horno, Puyol, Marchena, Salgado; Vicente, Xabi Alonso (Xavi if fit in time), Baraja, Joaquín; Reyes (Raúl if fit in time), Torres
Manager: Luis Aragonés Suárez
The 'Wise Man of Hortaleza' is one of the best-traveled coaches in the Spanish game, with stints at Real Betis, RCD Espanyol, Sevilla, Valencia, Oviedo, RCD Mallorca, and Atlético Madrid to his credit. A no-nonsense coach with a reputation for rescuing clubs from difficult situations, he commands the respect of players and managers alike. He has, however, been faulted by some pundits for showing excessive loyalty to some players, most notably the underperforming Fernando Torres.
Goalkeepers
Iker Casillas
Club: Real Madrid CF, Caps: 55
Consistently rated among the top three goalkeepers in the world while still only 23 years old, Casillas has saved Real Madrid on countless occasions and will be a guaranteed starter if healthy.
Chances of making the final squad: 100%
Chances of starting: 100%
José Manuel Reina
Club: Liverpool FC, Caps: 2
After several excellent performances for Villarreal, Reina was brought to England by Rafa Benitez in order to take over the #1 jersey at Liverpool. A solid goalkeeper and a more than capable backup for Casillas.
Chances of making the final squad: 100%
Chances of starting: 0%
Víctor Valdés
Club: FC Barcelona, Caps: uncapped
After an endless merry-go-round of goalkeepers rivaling that of Manchester United, Barcelona seem to have finally found someone they're happy with in Valdés. He is also quite capable and will occupy the third slot of what will be arguably the World Cup's deepest pool of goalkeepers.
Chances of making the final squad: 75%
Chances of starting: 0%
Defenders
Asier del Horno
Club: Chelsea FC, Caps: 10, Goals: 2
A highly rated left back who is as good going forward as he is defending. He has an impressive goalscoring rate for a defender due to a cannon of a left foot.
Chances of making the final squad: 100%
Chances of starting: 70%
Carles Puyol
Club: FC Barcelona, Caps: 43, Goals: 1
One of the best central defenders in the world and an automatic first choice for both Barcelona and Spain. He can sometimes be a bit suspect in the air, but has more than enough pace to compensate for it and is never out of position.
Chances of making the final squad: 100%
Chances of starting: 100%
Carlos Marchena
Club: Valencia CF, Caps: 27, Goals: 1
A solid but temperamental center back who has established himself as a starter for Valencia following the departure of Mauricio Pellegrino. He may not find himself as first choice for Spain, however, as the question of a permanent partner for Puyol still has yet to be resolved.
Chances of making the final squad: 75%
Chances of starting: 50%
Sergio Ramos
Club: Real Madrid CF, Caps: 6, Goals: 2
Ramos has settled well into the heart of the Real Madrid defense following his big-money move from Sevilla over the summer, showing enormous potential in the process. He is, however, prone to errors in judgment resulting from a lack of experience, as shown by the fact that he has already collected multiple red cards with less than half the season having been played. Even if he doesn't end up starting, he will provide excellent cover due to his ability to play in central defense, defensive midfield, and at right back.
Chances of making the final squad: 60%
Chances of starting: 25%
Juan "Juanito" Gutiérrez Moreno
Club: Real Betis Balompie, Caps: 12
A solid and capable center back who is a product of Real Betis' youth system, Juanito is the last of the three main candidates to partner Puyol in central defense.
Chances of making the final squad: 75%
Chances of starting: 25%
Míchel Salgado
Club: Real Madrid CF, Caps: 48
Despite having come under fire recently due to his inability to perform as a wingback in Wanderley Luxemburgo's ill-fated tactical system, Salgado is still an excellent defensive right back and will almost certainly be first choice in Germany.
Chances of making the final squad: 100%
Chances of starting: 85%
Antonio López Guerrero
Club: Atlético Madrid, Caps: 7, Goals: 1
A capable wingback who forms part of one of the Liga Primera's stingiest defenses, Antonio López should provide good depth to Spain's squad.
Chances of making the final squad: 70%
Chances of starting: 30%
Pablo Ibáñez
Club: Atlético Madrid, Caps: 7
A young and talented defender who Aragonés knows well from his time as manager of the Mattress Makers. He can be relied upon to provide capable cover, but has little to no chance of starting.
Chances of making the final squad: 70%
Chances of starting: 15%
Oleguer Presas
Club: FC Barcelona, Caps: uncapped
Oleguer is something of a baffling selection - while he is one of Spain's best young defenders, he is a fierce Catalan nationalist and has refused to play for Spain on at least one occasion. Nevertheless, Aragonés has called him into camp, so we may be seeing the youngster in the shirt of La Furia Roja after all.
Chances of making the final squad: 60% (should he choose)
Chances of starting: 0%
Midfielders
Vicente Rodríguez Guillem
Club: Valencia CF, Caps: 38, Goals: 3
A guaranteed starter when fit, left winger Vicente is one of the few true superstars at his position in the world. Blessed with deadly pace and excellent crossing ability, he just might put in a breakout performance in Germany.
Chances of making the final squad: 100%
Chances of starting: 100%
Joaquín Sánchez Rodríguez
Club: Real Betis Balompie, Caps: 35, Goals: 4
While he was controversially omitted from the squad that faced Slovakia in the playoffs, Joaquin has since been called back into camp and will most likely start next summer. After putting in a series of excellent performances in the 2002 World Cup, Joaquin will be looking once again to shine at the highest level.
Chances of making the final squad: 100%
Chances of starting: 70%
Xabi Alonso
Club: Liverpool FC, Caps: 22
An excellent playmaker and passer, Xabi Alonso has been a regular fixture for both Liverpool and Spain for some time now. Next summer just might be his chance to establish himself as a superstar.
Chances of making the final squad: 100%
Chances of starting: 90% (60% if Xavi is fit)
Xavier "Xavi" Hernández Creus
Club: FC Barcelona, Caps: 33, Goals: 1
One of Barcelona's most vital players, Xavi currently suffers from a long term injury that puts his ability to play in the next World Cup in doubt. If he is fit, however, he will be an excellent asset to La Furia Roja.
Chances of making the final squad: wholly dependent on fitness
Chances of starting: also dependent on fitness
Rubén Baraja
Club: Valencia CF, Caps: 43, Goals: 7
One half of Valencia's pair of central midfield hardmen, Baraja has been a fixture in the Spanish national team for quite some time now. At 31, this could be his last World Cup.
Chances of making the final squad: 100%
Chances of starting: 80%
David Albelda
Club: Valencia CF, Caps: 30
The other half of Valencia's central midfield pairing, Albelda will most likely function as a backup to his Che teammate at the international level.
Chances of making the final squad: 75%
Chances of starting: 20%
José María "Guti" Gutiérrez Hernández
Club: Real Madrid CF, Caps: 14, Goals: 3
Good God, you just wish things would turn around for this guy at some point. His excellent performances have somehow been enough to secure him a spot with the Spanish national team, yet still have not proved sufficient to earn him a starting spot at Real Madrid. As such, he will most likely be a bit player next summer unless Real Madrid's manager du jour finally gives him the spot he both desperately craves and fully deserves.
Chances of making the final squad: 70%
Chances of starting: 20% (could increase substantially if he finally gets a regular starting role at Real Madrid)
Luis García Sanz
Club: Liverpool, Caps: 6, Goals: 3
One of the most capable utility players in the world, Luis García will prove to be an invaluable asset for Spain next summer in a variety of positions.
Chances of making the final squad: 90%
Chances of starting: 10% (100% chance of being used as a sub if he doesn't)
Pedro Munitis
Club: Deportivo de La Coruña, Caps: 20, Goals: 3
Despite being a victim of Real Madrid's squad clearout at the beginning of the galactico era, Munitis has managed to successfully resurrect his career at Deportivo in style. His chances of starting over Vicente or Luis García are slim, however.
Chances of making the final squad: 70%
Chances of starting: 10%
Francesc "Cesc" Fabregas
Club: Arsenal FC, Caps: uncapped
Despite being indirectly responsible for Arsenal's poor season (his performances while deputizing for Patrick Vieira last year were apparently convincing enough to fool Arsene Wenger into thinking that he could get away with selling Vieira), Cesc is nevertheless one of Spain's brightest young talents. However, he is still quite young, and stands virtually no chance of starting if he does end up making the final squad.
Chances of making the final squad: 40%
Chances of starting: 0%
Forwards
Raúl González Blanco
Club: Real Madrid CF, Caps: 92, Goals: 42
Forget what the pundits, naysayers, and haters spew about this man. Spain's all-time leading scorer is still a great player and leader, and it would be utterly foolish not to start him provided that he is able to recover from his injury in time for the World Cup.
Chances of making the final squad: 100% (if fit)
Chances of starting: 100% (if fit)
Fernando Torres
Club: Atlético Madrid, Caps: 26, Goals: 10
While he is in something of a slump following last year's breakout season, Torres nevertheless possesses incredible amounts of talent. He is almost certain to start despite a string of disappointing performances for Spain, largely due to his mentor-pupil relationship with Luis Aragonés.
Chances of making the final squad: 100%
Chanes of starting: 90%
José Antonio Reyes
Club: Arsenal FC, Caps: 15, Goals: 2
Reyes is an enormously talented player with quite a reservoir of talent, and is almost certain to make the final squad for Germany. He is unlikely to displace Raul as a starter up front, though.
Chances of making the final squad: 90%
Chances of starting: 30% (80% if Raúl is still injured)
David Villa
Club: Valencia CF, Caps: 4, Goals: 1
One of the hottest young properties in Spanish soccer, Villa has followed up an electrifying season at Real Zaragoza which saw him narrowly miss out on the Pichichi title with a string of top class performances for Valencia. However, he is unlikely to displace Fernando Torres in the starting lineup due to Torres' relationship with the manager.
Chances of making the final squad: 70%
Chances of starting: 0%
Fernando Morientes
Club: Liverpool FC, Caps: 42, Goals: 26
While his performances for Liverpool have yet to live up to the standards that he set at Real Madrid and Monaco, Morientes has nevertheless proved highly effective for Spain averaging a goal every two games. He will almost certainly receive a callup, and stands a decent chance of starting.
Chances of making the final squad: 90%
Chances of starting: 20%