Spain as they enter their second World Cup after their debut last time around in Canada, where they maybe fell a little short of expectations.
With Atlético Madrid and Barcelona having such good years in Champions League this could be Spain’s chance of venturing further in the competition. Those two sides also make up a large chunk of the Spanish squad. You’ll find ten from Barcelona, five from Atlético Madrid.
This year has been generally a positive year for Jorge Vilda’s Spain. They have played 9 games with 4 wins 2 draws and 3 defeats. With a 7th place finish in the Algarve Cup after beating Netherlands 2-0 and Switzerland 2-0 but losing 0-3 to Poland.
The games they have lost were tight affairs against the United States and England with a single goal being the difference. There were also draws with Belgium and Canada and wins over Brazil and Cameroon.
Spain go into the tournament with the third youngest side on average and the youngest manager in the World Cup.
Qualifying for the World Cup saw an impressive undefeated campaign as Spain won 8 out of 8 games scoring 26 goals with Jennifer Hermoso scoring 7 of them. Wins home and away over Israel, Finland, Serbia and Austria saw Spain top the group on the road to France. Spain only conceded two goals in the run as well showing that not only are they an attacking unit but also tight at the back as they improve year upon year. Hopefully the Qualifying trend continues as Spain look for their first win in a Women’s World Cup as they take on South Africa In the opening game.
The first Women’s World Cup appearance for Spain came in 2015 while in Canada as Vicky Losada scored Spain’s opening and first goal against Chile in a game that saw Spain’s first goal, first point and first draw but a game they really should of won. After the 1-1 draw with Chile, the following game saw a near 1-0 defeat to Brazil and a 2-1 defeat to South Korea as Verónica Boquete got the goal for Spain, some beautiful football was played with the Tiki-Taka style play that Spanish football is famous for but didn’t create enough in attack to make their first Women’s World Cup journey continue.
Jorge Vilda is Spain’s young manager at 37 years old would have seen a lot of the players grow through the age groups as he has managed Spain U19 and U17 in the past, winning the U17 championships in 2010 and 2011. He was nominated for FIFA World Coach Of The Year In 2014 which just shows what he brings to Spain. The style of play is attractive and thrilling to watch that he drills into his players.
Spain are captained by Marta Torrejón will captain Spain once again throughout the Women’s World Cup at 29 years old she is Spain’s most capped player in the World Cup squad, the Barcelona defender has 85 Caps and has played at Barcelona for 6 years playing 168 times. Marta will no doubt be a huge part of Spain’s campaign if it is to be a successful one.
