Spain couldn't have asked for an easier draw than Chile, Honduras, and Switzerland. If I was a betting man (I mean, if I had any money) I would back the European champions to take maximum points from this group. Having said that, complacency could set in and Vicente del Bosque will be all too wary of that, having seen Spain underwhelm in major tournaments before.
In terms of the squad, del Bosque probably got it right, with only a couple of high profile absentees in Marcos Senna and Santi Cazorla. Both players had injury ravaged campaigns, but will still be highly disappointed to have been axed, especially Senna who was highly impressive in the Euros. His absence surely signifies the passing of ‘midfield enforcer’ torch to Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets. The rest of the squad is packed with experience and seasoned talent. Another Barcelona youngster, Pedro, has seen his form for club rewarded with a plane ticket to South Africa. Pedro, along with Javi Martinez will provide the youthful spark, as both will be looking for their first caps. The creativity in the Spanish midfield is unrivaled as Xavi, Fabgreas, Silva, Alonso, and Iniesta will be pulling the strings and mesmerizing their opponents with their short passing and vision. While up top, Villa and Torres will look to continue their amazing partnership. Not much has changed in defense either, as Puyol and Pique will likely be flanked by Ramos and Capdevilla. Though Spain will look to avoid the title of favorites, anything other than raising that gold trophy will be considered a failure.
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, Pepe Reina, Víctor Valdés
Defenders: Raúl Albiol, Álvaro Arbeloa, Joan Capdevila, Carlos Marchena, Gerard Piqué, Carles Puyol, Sergio Ramos
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso, Sergi Busquets, Cesc Fàbregas, Andrés Iniesta, Javi Martínez, David Silva, Xavi Hernández
Strikers: Jesús Navas, Juan Mata, Pedro Rodríguez, Fernando Llorente, Fernando Torres, David Villa
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