Spain's fantastic run in
the qualifying rounds, with a record number of 42 goals in eight matches, must
make them one of the favourites for the finals. José Antonio Camacho has
now been in charge for around a year and a half, and he has transformed the
side, introducing 23 new players and changing the playing style to a more
balanced common-sense approach. There must remain some doubt however as to
their ability to come up with the goods on the big stage. Their rivals in the
qualifying stages were not first level teams, and their recent defeat at home
to Argentina has raised some questions. They need to overcome their reputation
as perennial under-achievers if they are to make it all the way, and need more
confidence in themselves at the later stage of competitions to come good. They
are not without stars however, the players who make the difference in the key
matches, and Raúl is rapidly becoming one of the best players in the
world at only 22 years of age. Hierro, Luis Enrique (not available for Euro
2000 through injury), Julen Guerrero and Guardiola (if fit) have already proved
themselves on the world stage (at least at club level), and the new men
introduced by Camacho, including Paco, Engonga, Valerón, Mendieta and
Munitis, are gelling well with the veterans. There remains a doubt at the
goalkeeping level, with Zubizarreta's replacement Cañizares still not on
form after a long injury, although Molina is covering adequately and may well
be first choice for the finals. Their defence may also be somewhat suspect,
with Sergi out for a large part of the season and Hierro not as young as he
used to be, and Camacho has been trying new players in the last few friendly
games. The return to form of Etxeberria, Fran, Urzaiz and Morientes is a plus
for the side, and all four will probably be valuable members of the squad. All
in all the jury is still out, but they should put up a better performance than
they did in the last world cup, and if their key players can avoid injuries in
the long Spanish season leading up to the finals, they should be there or
thereabouts at the end. |