Drain in Spain

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.