Monday, June 2, 2008

UEFA Euro 2008: Spain Team Preview

The squad: Since 1978, Spain have failed to qualify for a major tournament only once (Euro 1992), but have advanced past the quarterfinals just once in 15 tries, a run to the Euro 1984 final. Despite topping qualifying Group F, the Spaniards had some dubious results, losing to Northern Ireland and drawing with Iceland.

The players: Spain are lead by two of the Premier League's brightest young stars in Liverpool's Fernando Torres and Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas. Torres' debut season at Anfield was a smashing success as he set a league record for most goals by a foreign newcomer with 24. Fabregas captured the league's Young Player of the Year award. In 2006 the central midfielder became the youngest player ever to appear for Spain in a World Cup. Fresh off a second-straight La Liga-winning season, Real Madrid goalie Ilker Casillas will be in net for Spain.

The schedule: vs. Russia (6/10); vs. Sweden (6/14); vs. Greece (6/18)

The prediction: Spain should have no problems winning Group D, but from there things will get tricky. A possible semifinal clash with Italy will be Spain's final destination.

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