Spain National Soccer Team
Quick Facts:
- Nickname – Red Fury
- Home Stadium – None
- Confederation – UEFA
- Manager – Vicente del Bosque
- All time High Scorer: Raul with 44 goals in 102 appearances
- Most Appearances: Andoni Zubizarreta with 126 appearances
World Cup History: Although considered one of soccer’s powerhouses, Spain has never won a World Cup Competition. In fact, their best finish in 12 appearances was 4th place in 1950.
Prior World Cup Results:
- 1934: Quarterfinals
- 1950: Fourth Place
- 1962: Round One
- 1966: Round One
- 1978: Round One
- 1982: Round Two
- 1986: Quarterfinals
- 1990: Round of 16
- 1994: Quarterfinals
- 1998: Round One
- 2002: Quarterfinals
- 2006: Round of 16
Analysis:
The Spanish national team made their first FIFA World Cup appearance in 1934, but thanks to both the Spanish Civil War and World War II they did not play in the competition again until 1950 – when they achieved their best ever finish – fourth place.
Years of decline followed though, even though at various sides have included the incredible Alfredo Distefano and the legendary Raul. In 2007 though, under the guidance of Jose Villalonga, a whole new Spanish team began to emerge, led by Fernando Torres, the 23 year old who is also considered one of the English Premiership’s top players with club side
In fact this new generation of Spanish talent has achieved some pretty impressive stats by anyone’s soccer standards. They have the world record with 15 consecutive wins and they tied the record with 35 consecutive unbeaten games (with
Torres’ play during the 2010 World Cup qualifiers can only be described as sparkling and all eyes are most certainly on him as June 2010 grows closer. But so strong is the Spanish squad overall that one of best goalkeepers in the EPL, Arsenal’s Manny Alumenia, has been unable to secure even a reserve place on his national team, and was rumored to be considering taking English citizenship to get into international competition ( rumors he has never confirmed.)
