Same old faults could scupper Spain yet again

MADRID, May 26: For a country that prides itself on being one of the traditional powerhouses of European football, Spain has consistently disappointed in major tournaments.

Victory in the 1964 European Championship and runners-up spot in that tournament 20 years later are the country's only significant achievements on the international stage, while they have not got past the World Cup quarter-finals since 1950.

For the second time running Spain have had to take the playoff route to qualify for a major tournament, but they did at least manage to book their 2006 World Cup place in style with a 6-2 aggregate victory over Slovakia.

The national side have historically played second fiddle to club football in a country where local and regional divisions abound, while the Primera Liga's strength is largely due to the presence of some of South America's top players.

That is not to say that there are not plenty of talented Spanish footballers around at the moment.

Players such as Barcelona midfielder Xavi, club colleague Carles Puyol, Real Madrid keeper Iker Casillas and Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas would be valued by most national teams.

However, injuries to key players such as Raul, Xavi and Vicente have disrupted preparations for the World Cup and are likely to mean significant changes in the first-choice XI.

Although Spain are capable of playing attractive possession football they lack the killer instinct of the world's top sides.

ALSO-RANS Debates have raged for years as to why this should be so. Until a real answer is found, Spain will always flounder among the also-rans and never challenge for the crown.

On their day, of course, skipper Raul and fellow striker Fernando Torres are a match for anyone, but all too often they spurn seemingly straightforward chances.

Spain's patient build-up play also tends to give opponents too much time to organise their defence and deny the Spanish forwards space to attack.

Coach Luis Aragones has plenty of experience and clearly has the respect of the squad who have grown in maturity since their disappointing first-round exit at Euro 2004.

Their 19-match unbeaten run since the 67-year-old took charge after the European Championship has given further grounds for confidence and not being among the pre-tournament favourites is also likely to work in their favour.

On paper they should have an easy task reaching the knockout stages after being drawn to play Ukraine, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia in Group H.

If Aragones gives new recruits such as Fabregas and striker David Villa a chance by using form rather than reputation as a guide for selection then Spain could cause a few upsets.

If not their traditional role of tournament under-achievers beckons once again.

REUTERS