Spanish National Team (2008-2012)
The Spain NT was considered one of the best national teams of all time. So why and how did they become the greatest team of all time?
[A Thread]

Before 2008 Spains last international major trophy was the European Cup 1964. They won the Olympic gold medal in 1992. There was a trophy drought for 16 years. In that time period they couldn’t even reach a single semi-final in either the World cup or the Euro cup.

In 2004 Luis Aragonés was appointed as the manager of the Spain national team.He then set up the foundation of tiki-taka; quick short passing; in the National team. He went on to mould this team to make it into the best in the world.

Euro 2008. Spain mostly played 4-4-2 formation.Most of the players of the team were small but were true geniuses of the game. The midfield was the main part with the likes of Xavi,Iniesta, Silva and senna who were great passers of the ball.They went on to win the tournament .

After winning the euro cup,Vicente del Bosque was chosen as the coach of Spain NT.He also continued the tiki-taka style of play.

World Cup 2010.This time also the midfield was the main part of the team with Xavi, Iniesta, Alonso and Spain played with two forwards, Villa and Torres. Spain went on to win the World Cup with Iniesta’s 116 minute strike against Netherlands proving to be the winner.

Euro Cup 2012.Spain mostly played the 4-3-3 formation with Silva, Iniesta and Fabregas up front. The tiki-taka style flourished with all attackers being great ball players.They dominated throughout the tournament and went on to win the Cup by cruising past Italy 4-0 in the final

Throughout this 2008-12 domination Spain were praised for their tiki-taka playing style. But how did the group of players went on to play such beautiful football? It might not only be a coincidence but did the team benefit from Pep Guardiola who managed barca from 2008-2012.

Pep Guardiola's Barca was described to be one of the best club teams of all time. They went on to win a treble and a sextuple.They were known for their Tiki-Taka style of play. Barca’s main players at that period were Iniesta, Xavi and Messi.

Xavi and Iniesta dominated the 2008-12 period. They cemented their place in the ballon d’or top 4 from 2009-12 along with Lionel messi. Ther were the Player of the tournament in euro 2008 and 2012 respectively. Iniesta also won UEFA POTY in 2011-12.

Records of Spain NT:
:Most consecutive games unbeaten=35
:Highest points in world cup qualification(2010)=30 out of 30
:Most cons. Wins from debut:13 (Vicente del Bosque)
:FIFA Team of the year:2008,-09,-10,-11,-12,-13

End of thread.Likes and Rts appreciated