Wind the
clock back twelve months and take yourself to Wembley, London, the scene of Bayern
Munich's victory over Borussia Dortmund. The all-German affair capped a season
of infatuation with a style of play which had so ruthlessly disbanded the
previous Spanish darlings of football, Madrid and Barcelona. A year later and
with the World Cup looming, Spanish football has once again returned to the
forefront of the European game, but how will this resurrection affect the
national team's hopes in Brazil?
Despite
Spain's dominance of International football in recent seasons, winning the World
Cup this summer is undoubtedly La Roja's greatest challenge yet. With Brazil in
their home country and Argentina containing the most devastating attacking
force in world football, the European drought in South America looks set to
continue. It is not however, the opposition who will provide the largest threat
to Spain's crown. Iberian fatigue in the sweltering climes of Brazil may
provide the fatal stab to the raging Spanish bull.
It has been
a long domestic season for the Spanish teams. Real Madrid's capturing of La
Decima was the 60th game of Carlo Ancelotti's season, which included two cup
successes and competing for the title until the final game of the campaign. Despite
a remarkable season, Atlético Madrid were visibly exhausted in the second half
of the final and during extra time. The incredible achievements of Simeone's
men have undoubtedly arrived at a cost, and Diego Costa's end of season injury
woes will be a major concern to Vicente Del Bosque.
Barcelona
have had their own struggles. Despite
their well documented problems however, which resulted in the resignation of
Gerardo Martino, the Catalan club still pushed Atlético until the final game of
the season and a late wonder goal from world record signing Gareth Bale in the
85th minute denied them a 27th Copa Del Rey victory.
Overcoming
the physical and mental strain of such a gruelling season will be Spain's
biggest test. Much is made of England not having a winter break and as such
being tired when International tournaments come around over summer.
The
tropical heat of Brazil will only exaggerate the fatigue factor.
Spain can
at least take solace in the knowledge that their style of play is not running
intensive. The mentality of keeping possession and letting the ball do the work
will have to be efficient and ruthless, particularly against the bigger teams.
However
this style of play is also reliant upon intense concentration and not making
mistakes. It would be naive to underestimate the extent to which the season
will have drained Real, Barca and Atlético players.
It is a
similar story for those not playing for the Spanish big three. Juan Mata and
Fernando Torres have struggled this year and will be heading to Brazil (should
they survive Del Bosque's final cull) low in confidence, whilst Santi Cazorla
ultimately suffered as his Arsenal team once again capitulated in the league.
It seems
bizarre to be writing off Spain with such ease. Even in listing the players who
may struggle, who may be tired or who may be low in morale, there is still so
much ability and pedigree. They will remain a heavyweight this summer and their
opponents will have to be playing at the peak of their powers to defeat them.
Spain are a side who relish vindication. Whenever they have been discarded
before, they have always provided an answer to the damning question of whether
or not they could perform.
However for
the Spanish to truly stamp their authority on the history of world football and
not only retain the World Cup but also make it four consecutive major
International successes, they will have to break through a physical and mental
barrier unlike any they have previously faced. This team has now been together
for six or seven years and implementing youth may be necessary soon. In the
heat of South America, this is a weakness that will no doubt be hunted by their
circling opponents.
