Spain’s chances at the 2022 World Cup

Spain dominated international football between 2008 and 2012, winning two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup during the period. However, their golden generation is gone now and the team hasn’t done anything impressive in all the subsequent major tournaments. 

Luis Enrique’s side were relatively better in the Euro 2020 as they outclassed Croatia and Switzerland to make it to the semi-finals. But La Roja lost at that point to eventual champions Italy who prevailed on penalties. 

Fans were not entirely convinced when Enrique was re-appointed in November 2019. However, the 52-year-old has re-established his credibility and will now head to Qatar with fans and players completely behind him. 

The Spaniard has made some bold decisions while selecting players in his squad. David de Gea and Kepa Arrizabalaga are important figures at Manchester United and Chelsea but both haven’t been included in the World Cup squad. Another surprising omission was Thiago Alcantara who helped Liverpool win two major trophies last season. 

However, there are several world class players on this squad as well, such as Pedri, Rodri and Aymeric Laporte. Pedri is only 19-years-old but has made an incredible 93 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona. He is highly rated for his dribbling, passing and through balls. Rodri is one of the best defensive midfielders who is known for his aerial duels, tackling and passing skills, while Laporte is also an excellent defender who can play from the back and is very strong. 

Spain haven’t landed a kind group, with Costa Rica, Japan and Germany as their opponents in the World Cup 2022 Group E. But considering the quality of their squad, La Roja shouldn’t have much trouble making it to the knockout stages of the prestigious tournament. But at the same time, it is difficult to see the 2010 winners challenging France, Argentina or Brazil for the World Cup trophy.