Barring referees-who-are-so-bad-they-appear-to-be-bought, I think they'll do just as good as in the World Cup, or how they would have done. The selection looks a little better than in 2002.
I don't know about that. Our strikers will have to improve, or at least Torres will have to improve his form at the international level. Also our defense, other than Puyol, is still highly suspect. If ever could get a decent defense we would be among the favorites to win the competition.
The strikers weren't really in such great form during Japan/Korea either. The only one who really has gone 'downhill' since then is Tristan in my opinion, but he was really, really fantastic for Depor then. The rest aren't really doing all that worse or better, the only thing that has changed up front is that Torres has been added. Torres who hasn't really had many good chances to show his stuff in the national team seeing as Saez keeps his mind made up that Raul, Valeron AND Torres can't play at the same time (¡Mother...!) this while Camacho played Valeron and Raul with another striker without any problems. He will burn in Hell if he doesn't let this trio play at the same, I've already made the arrangements with God.
Let´s hope he puts them in and get his reservation for heaven. As for the defense, I don´t have a problem with the teams defense anchored by Salgado, Pujol and Helguera, along with Casillas in goal. This tournament is close to home, so you can anticipated strong support. The team didn´t let history bother them in Korea, and I doubt they will this time, either. They´ve got as good a chance as anyone in this very tough competition.
Spain will make it out of the group either first ahead of Portugal or second. But then will lose to either England or France in the QF's. Thats a fact of life for the Furia Roja! Saludos y Aupa Espanha! Pichi
When Phil Ball writes articles about La Furia, he usually talks about the discontent of the fans at the job that he is doing. You guys would want nothing more then to beat the shit out of Portugal, eh?
I don't think there is a big deal about Portugal, from the Spanish point of view. Certainly not like there is between, for example, Scotland and England. There has been more discussion of getting revenge on Greece than there has been with Portugal. There isn't that much recent history between Portugal and Spain (futbol wise) in order for this to make it a big rivalry. In fact I would say Italy is a bigger rival for Spain than Portugal is (in regards on who we would want to beat).
Salgado? I thought Saez was using Curro Torres on the right for a while. While I don't think we have an outstanding defense, it's still pretty solid even for a top tier European team. We lag behind France and Italy, yes, but so does virtually everyone on the planet with the possible exception of Paraguay. Our back line is still better than Portugal or Germany's, and every bit as good as England's once you whittle away how massively overrated Rio Ferdinand is.
The last three qualifiers listed on marca shows Salgado starting. http://www.marca.com/futbol/seleccion/