Ranking: 1 (Last Updated 05 Jun 2014)
History: Often regarded as one of the nursery grounds of world football, Spain took 13 attempts to win their first ever World Cup. Playing in the last 10 finals, without a hiatus, they can now consider themselves as one of the true football power-houses.
All the more, the present team – which has won three back-to-back tournaments (Euro-World Cup-Euro), is touted as one of the greatest teams in football history. And true to their reputation, they will bid to become only the second country to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1962.
Qualifying report: Having been forced to play in the qualifiers, the defending champions eased through from a group containing France, Finland, Georgia and Belarus. In the process, they conceded only three goals to their rivals, without losing a match.
Star Players: Spain is blessed with numerous super-stars. The likes of Iker Cassilas, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, David Villa, Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos will light up the firmament with their precision passing game. And with some of the veterans playing in their final World Cup tournament, La Furia Roja will do everything to defend their crown.
And, there is a certain Diego Costa -- who recently adopted Spain as his country -- is part of the squad. The Atletico Madrid striker, in all probability, will head to the country of his birth this June in the hope of winning the famous trophy.
Top scorer at the Cup: David Villa - the quintessential number seven had scored eight world cup goals of utmost importance, helping the Basque nation win the elusive trophy in South Africa. The New York City FC striker is also the overall leading scorer for Spain with 56 goals.
Most World Cup caps: Two goal-keeping greats, Andoni Zubizarreta – 16 games, and Iker Casillas – 15 games, lead the list. Behind them is charismatic defender, Carles Puyol and passing master Xavi Hernandez with 14 games each.
Team record at the Cup: Post 2010, Spain have become a force to reckon with. But, prior to that watershed moment, they were a nation with a lot of talent and potential. Their best performance, of course, before winning the title, was the fourth-place finish in 1950. And they were also one of the quarter-finalists in 1934, 1986, 1994 and 2002.
Coach: Vicente del Bosque – He is arguably one of the best coaches in football history. Having led Spain to an unprecedented European and World Cup double, del Bosque now has his eye set on Brazil – for a probable successful title defence. Despite admitting to the lack of an out-and-out striker, the 63-year-old has enough match-winners in his stable. And once again, his team will start as the favourites to win the tournament.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), David de Gea (Manchester United), Pepe Reina (Napoli)
Defenders: Raul Albiol (Napoli), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
Midfielders: Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Juan Mata (Manchester United), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid ), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), David Silva (Manchester City)
Forwards: David Villa (Melbourne City), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Pedro Rodriguez (Barcelona), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid)
Group listing: Group B - Netherlands, Chile and Australia.
Fixtures:
June 13: Spain v Holland, Salvador
June 18: Spain v Chile, Rio de Janeiro
June 23: Australia v Spain, Curitiba