Is Spain's best result in this European Cup the semi-finals?
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Currently, the Matador Spain is not a favorite to win the European Cup, but as one of the traditional powerhouses of Europe, the goal of this European Cup Spain should not be as simple as the quarter-finals or semi-finals, their goal is still aiming for the final or even the championship.
The golden generation of three consecutive championships has come to 2024, and it has been completely renewed. With Busquets and Alba fading out, the old generation's veterans are all gone. This European Cup is a truly new Spain, what kind of results will they achieve?
Team recent situation Spain's performance in the European Cup qualifiers is still good, easily topping the group ahead of Scotland and Norway to qualify. Although they once lost to Scotland away, it did not affect the overall situation.
In 2023, they won the UEFA Nations League championship, which is Spain's first championship since the three consecutive championships of major tournaments. This is an encouragement for Spain, which is in a downturn.
The team's recent two warm-up matches have been erratic, first losing at home to Colombia unexpectedly, and then drawing with Brazil. However, the starting lineup for the two matches was completely different, indicating clear training objectives and not much can be inferred from them.
Team main lineup: The team's main goalkeeper will still be Athletic Bilbao's Unai Simon, who was a mainstay in the last European Cup and World Cup. Although not playing for a top club, he has just won the Copa del Rey and will still be an option for the team. Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya will be the second choice, and due to Arsenal's strong in this season, Raya has the possibility of becoming the main goalkeeper in the European Cup. The third goalkeeper may be Real Sociedad's Remiro. Kepa is very likely to be left out.
Regarding the right-back position, Real Madrid's Carvajal is still the absolute mainstay of the team. The 38-year-old veteran Navas and Tottenham right-back Porro will compete for the substitute right-back position.
In terms of central defenders, Laporte, who has already moved to Saudi Arabia and became teammates with Cristiano Ronaldo, is still the first choice, and his partner may be Real Sociedad's Le Normand. Barcelona's young player Cucurella may be the third central defender. Other central defenders who may be selected for the European Cup includes Dani Vivian, Inigo Martinez, Pau Torres, and David Garcia.
Regarding the left-back position, Valencia's Gaya was originally the main player, but Leverkusen's left-back Grimaldo's recently performance has been too strong, so he is likely to take the starting position. Other options include Balde and Cucurella.
As for the defensive midfielder position, this is the most stable position for Spain. Rodrigo is the absolutely mainstay and the current top star of Spain. Real Sociedad's Zubimendi will be his backup. Both of them can also play as central defenders. Girona's Alex Garcia is also on the backup list.
For the two central midfield positions, it should be Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz and Real Sociedad midfielder Merino without any accidents. Unfortunately, due to a serious injury, Barcelona's young talent Gavi is highly likely to miss the European Cup, and another young talent Pedri, who has never been selected for the national team since the World Cup, is likely to be left out. Leipzig midfielder Olmo is likely to be selected, and he can play multiple positions. The last substitute spot may be Bilbao's Sancet or Villarreal's Baena.
Wingers: The 16-year-old Barcelona genius Ansu Fati, who rose to fame this season, will lock in a starting position. He will not even be 17 years old until the official start of the European Cup, and the European Cup will be a test for him, whether he will be the next Messi or the next Bojan. The other winger position is likely to be Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams. Ferran Torres, Asensio, and Sarabia will be the main options for substitutes.
Striker: Morata will still be the main striker for the team, and Real Madrid veteran Jose Lu will be the backup striker. Villarreal striker Moreno may also be selected. The last spot may be Real Sociedad's Oyarzabal, who can play as a winger or a false nine.
Team performance prediction: Quarter-finals or semi-finals Currently, this Spain is drawn in the group of death with Italy, Croatia, and Albania. The schedule is not favorable to them either, with the final round against Albania. This means that they cannot afford to lose in the first two rounds. Once they lose in the first two rounds, they will be in a very passive situation.
However, after the expansion, even the third place can be advanced, so I believe Spain should have no problem. Personally, I predict that Spain has a good chance of reaching the quarter-finals in this European Cup, and reaching the semi-finals is also possible. But winning the championship may not be very likely. Apart from Rodrigo and Grimaldo, there aren't really any outstanding players.
