SPAIN are bidding to win their third consecutive European Championship but a difficult draw awaits the team, with their coach Vicente del Bosque admitting they are in transition.
The 2008 and 2012 champions are looking to avoid a repeat of their disastrous showing at the Fifa World Cup in Brazil two years ago as they come up against Croatia, Turkey and the Czech Republic in Group D.
“We go there with the objective to defend the title we won four years ago,” Del Bosque told sports daily Marca before La Roja departed for their base camp off France’s Atlantic coast.
“It is the same situation as in 2012, but with a bit more responsibility because we are defending two consecutive titles.
“But we must differentiate between what is an objective and what is an obligation. Winning the title cannot be an obligation.”
Del Bosque (65) says this because his squad has changed significantly since 2012.
Perhaps six of those who played in the 4-0 final win against Italy in Kiev will start against the Czech Republic in Toulouse next Monday.
But this could be the time for the likes of Koke, Alvaro Morata and Lucas Vazquez to shine.
“We need to make the most of the players we have,” Del Bosque said, signalling a possible move away from the “tiki-taka” style of past tournaments.
“Lucas Vazquez has pace and can trouble defences, while you can’t argue with Aritz Aduriz’s statistics. If in three touches we manage to get to the opposition goal, then that is also great.”
Finishing top of the group has to be the aim, with Belgium or Italy potential Last 16 opponents for the Group D runners-up. If any team goes through in third, France could lie in wait.
Spain will hope to have their Last 16 berth sewn up before they face a dangerous Croatia side in Bordeaux in their last group match.
Ante Cacic’s men represent a small nation but their strength in depth is impressive – and Spain know all about Real Madrid’s Luka Modric and his fellow-midfielder Ivan Rakitic of Barcelona.
Mateo Kovacic of Real Madrid and Juventus centre forward Mario Mandzukic are also involved for the side, who arrives in France as dangerous dark horses, even if Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren will not feature.
“Our group is challenging. But nevertheless, I believe that we can pass the first round, and then in the knockout stage everything depends on the opponent in front of us,” Cacic told World Soccer magazine.
“You need to have the best morale and harmony. We have those ingredients.”
The Czechs travel with an excellent past record in European Championships but a squad lacking the star quality of their rivals.
Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech, the country’s most-capped player, remains the biggest name at Pavel Vrba’s disposal. – AFP
