Spain: La Roja reflect upon World Cup success in South Africa

“There’s no greater satisfaction than lifting the World Cup” – the words of Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos after getting his hands on his first ever World Cup. It’s a feeling that will no doubt be shared by every single one of his teammates. It would’ve been particularly satisfying for some of the more senior members of the squad, ones who had been part of Spain’s recent underachievement. Before the tournament, many believed Spain would win, and it’s not surprising with the talent they have, but the failures over the years would have been hiding in the back of everybody’s minds – most of all the players.

The pressure would have been immense, the expectations of a nation resting on them. However, the players looked mentally strong and well-prepared. Vicente del Bosque created a team atmosphere, a winning mentality, and credit has to go to him for keeping the players motivated and making them believe that they could go on and finally achieve what everyone knew they were capable of.

Barça influence

One thing that certainly helped the manager was the fact that so many players play for Barcelona. Not only that there were so many Barça players, but also the fact that they have been playing together for a very long time. Senior players like Xavi, Andrés Iniesta and Carles Puyol combined perfectly with the younger Gerard Piqué, Sergio Busquets and Pedro. Seven of the starting eleven for the World Cup final were Barça players, that is including the recently signed David Villa. It’s almost like club football, and that was a huge factor in Spain’s success.

It also had a positive effect on the style of football they played. Their style, like Barça’s, focused on dominating possession, taking control of games and pressing high all over the pitch. Ironically the style of play which saw them beat the Netherlands in the final was in part down to Dutch legend Johan Cruyff’s influence. He brought the quick passes, the movement, the “tiki taka” as it’s known today, when he was at the club as both a player in the 70’s, and then later as manager.

For Spain it meant that most of the players were used to the style and were extremely comfortable playing this way, which was a head start on most countries. It turned out to be both beautiful to watch and simultaneously ruthlessly efficient.

One moment, one goal, one man

That man was Andrés Iniesta. It takes a certain kind of personality and mental strength to be able to end a game so emphatically, under such pressure. The 116th minute of the World Cup final was all about Iniesta, his shot wasn’t going anywhere other than into Maarten Stekelenburg’s net. They say big players do it on the big stage and he showed exactly that. His goal sent the Spanish fans inside the stadium crazy, and no doubt the whole of Spain. After nearly two hours of football, in a game of that magnitude, he had the strength and desire to get forward and make the difference. Incredible, especially for a player that has struggled with fitness all season and who looked particularly off-colour in the opening group games.

He went on to dedicate his goal to Dani Jarque, the Espanyol defender who died of a heart attack last year. A heart-warming tribute to end a perfect night for the Spaniards.

Party in Spain

The streets were packed full of emotional Spaniards, thousands of fans covered in red and yellow. Spain’s first ever World Cup was celebrated in style. Even Iker Casillas couldn’t contain himself as he interrupted his interview with Sara Carbonero (his girlfriend and Telecinco reporter) and kissed her live on air. For the players, the party continued on the plane and all the way through Madrid with the parade.

One man in particular needs mentioning here and that is Pepe Reina. He was the life of the party on the plane and was his charismatic and entertaining self when they finally landed. Madrid played host to “El show de Pepe Reina”, where in front of thousands he celebrated and joked with every member of the Spanish squad. The treatment of Cesc Fàbregas was a particular highlight as Reina described him as “the future of Barca”, whilst Carles Puyol and Gerard Piqué forced a Barça shirt over his head.

South Africa 2010 will be a year to remember for Spain. Their first ever success at the World Cup will finally allow them to lose the tag of being underachievers. They showed tremendous mental strength from the beginning after the worst start possible against Switzerland. They went on to dominate the tournament, without ever putting on a spectacular performance, and that was enough for them to be crowned champions.

Next up for them will be the European Championship in 2012. Should they qualify, which in all probability they will, it’ll be a chance for them to complete a hat-trick of major tournament victories.

But for now the celebrations will go on, as for the players and many supporters, the fact that they’re World Cup winners has still yet to fully sink in.

(photo credit: El Mundo website via Keith Williamson on Flickr)

Andres Iniesta, Spain, World Cup 2010