MADRID, June 11: After recent struggles at major tournaments, the remaining stars of Spain�s golden generation could be facing a last stand at the World Cup.
Winning two European Championships and a first World Cup, the Spanish were unstoppable from 2008 to 2012.
But they began to falter at the 2014 World Cup, failing to advance from the group stage, and were eliminated from Euro 2016 in the round of 16. There were doubts new coach Julen Lopetegui could even secure qualification for this year�s World Cup before Spain cruised through a group that included Italy.
Lopetegui successfully blended emerging talent with the experience provided by veterans to qualify for an 11th straight World Cup.
Lopetegui was chosen as Vicente Del Bosque�s successor in 2016 after winning trophies of his own with Spain � at the under-19 and under-21 editions of the European Championships.
Team � Goalkeepers: David De Gea (Manchester United), Pepe Reina (Napoli), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao). Defenders: Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Nacho Fernandez (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Alvaro Odriozola (Real Sociedad). Midfielders: Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Jorge �Koke� Resurreccion (Atletico Madrid), Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), David Silva (Manchester City), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid), Francisco �Isco� Alarcon (Real Madrid). Forwards: Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Rodrigo (Valencia), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid). � AP
MADRID, June 11: After recent struggles at major tournaments, the remaining stars of Spain�s golden generation could be facing a last stand at the World Cup.
Winning two European Championships and a first World Cup, the Spanish were unstoppable from 2008 to 2012.
But they began to falter at the 2014 World Cup, failing to advance from the group stage, and were eliminated from Euro 2016 in the round of 16. There were doubts new coach Julen Lopetegui could even secure qualification for this year�s World Cup before Spain cruised through a group that included Italy.
Lopetegui successfully blended emerging talent with the experience provided by veterans to qualify for an 11th straight World Cup.
Lopetegui was chosen as Vicente Del Bosque�s successor in 2016 after winning trophies of his own with Spain � at the under-19 and under-21 editions of the European Championships.
Team � Goalkeepers: David De Gea (Manchester United), Pepe Reina (Napoli), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao). Defenders: Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Nacho Fernandez (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Alvaro Odriozola (Real Sociedad). Midfielders: Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Jorge �Koke� Resurreccion (Atletico Madrid), Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), David Silva (Manchester City), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid), Francisco �Isco� Alarcon (Real Madrid). Forwards: Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Rodrigo (Valencia), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid). � AP
