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The Spanish National Football Team, commonly referred to as La Roja, is the national football
Football

File:Football4.pngFootball is the word given to a number of similar team sports, all of which involve kicking a ball with the foot in an attempt to score a Goal ....
 team of Spain
Spain

Spain or the Kingdom of Spain , is a country located in Southern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula.The Spanish constitution does not establish any official denomination of the country, even though Espa?a , Estado espa?ol and Naci?n espa?ola are used interchangeably....
 and is controlled by the . They are the current European Champions, having won the 2008 UEFA European Championship. This is their 2nd time as European Champions. In July 2008, Spain rose to the #1 spot in the FIFA World Ranking for the first time in their history, becoming only the sixth nation (and the first who had never won the World Cup
FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup, occasionally called the Football World Cup, but usually referred to simply as the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the List of men's national association football teams of the members of F?d?ration Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global govern...
) to top these rankings.

n's traditional kit is a red jersey with yellow trim with dark blue shorts and socks.






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The Spanish National Football Team, commonly referred to as La Roja, is the national football
Football

File:Football4.pngFootball is the word given to a number of similar team sports, all of which involve kicking a ball with the foot in an attempt to score a Goal ....
 team of Spain
Spain

Spain or the Kingdom of Spain , is a country located in Southern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula.The Spanish constitution does not establish any official denomination of the country, even though Espa?a , Estado espa?ol and Naci?n espa?ola are used interchangeably....
 and is controlled by the . They are the current European Champions, having won the 2008 UEFA European Championship. This is their 2nd time as European Champions. In July 2008, Spain rose to the #1 spot in the FIFA World Ranking for the first time in their history, becoming only the sixth nation (and the first who had never won the World Cup
FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup, occasionally called the Football World Cup, but usually referred to simply as the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the List of men's national association football teams of the members of F?d?ration Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global govern...
) to top these rankings.

Uniform Kit

Spain's traditional kit is a red jersey with yellow trim with dark blue shorts and socks. Their current away kit is with a gold jersey with white shorts and socks, although the away kit is usually a full white kit with red trim. A third kit is sometimes used and is usually blue with red and yellow trim. Spain's kit is currently designed by Adidas
Adidas

Adidas Aktiengesellschaft is a Germany sports apparel manufacturer and part of the Adidas Group, which consists of Reebok sportswear company, TaylorMade-adidas golf company, and Rockport ....


History


Early years

Following the model set by the English Football Association, Spain created their football organization, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF in Spanish), in 1909 and their domestic first division league “La Liga (The League)” in 1928. Prior to their international debut, Spain's national team had been comprised of semi-professionals and amateur players. These players only played unofficial international matches and scrimmages and was organized by the RFEF. Spain made their international football debut in 1920 at the Olympic Games
Football at the 1920 Summer Olympics

The football at the 1920 Summer Olympics, was one of the 154 events at the 1920 Summer Olympics, held in Antwerp . It was the fifth time football was on the Olympic schedule....
 in Antwerp
Antwerp

||-||-||-||}Antwerp is a city and municipality in Belgium and the capital of the Antwerp in Flanders, one of Belgium's three regions....
 and won the silver medal. They played their first home international in 1921, beating Belgium
Belgium national football team

The Belgium national football team is the national football team of Belgium and is controlled by the Belgian Football Association....
 2-0 in Bilbao
Bilbao

Bilbao, is the largest city in the Basque Country in northern Spain and the capital of the province of Biscay .The city has 354,145 inhabitants and is the most financially and industrially active part of Greater Bilbao, the zone in which almost half of the Basque Country?s population lives....
. They also became the first non-British
United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom , the UK or Britain,is a sovereign state located off the northwestern coast of continental Europe....
 side to beat England
England national football team

The English national football team represents England in international Association football and is controlled by The Football Association, the governing body for football in England....
 when they won 4-3 in a friendly in Madrid
Madrid

Madrid is the Capital and largest city of Spain. It is the Largest cities of the European Union by population within city limits in the European Union after Greater London and Berlin, and its Madrid metropolitan area is the Largest urban areas of the European Union in the European Union after Paris aire urbaine, Greater London Urban Area, a...
 in 1929. Spain, however, did not enter the 1930 World Cup
1930 FIFA World Cup

The 1930 FIFA World Cup was the first FIFA World Cup, the world championship for international association football teams. It was played in Uruguay from 13 July to 30 July....
. Four years later, Spain qualified for the second World Cup
1934 FIFA World Cup

The 1934 FIFA World Cup, or the World's Cup as it was known then, was the second football World Cup staged, and hosted by Italy from 27 May to 10 June....
 held in Italy in 1934. The Spanish side progressed to the quarterfinals and drew 1-1 with Italy
Italy national football team

The Italian national football team is controlled by the Italian Football Federation and represents Italy in international Football competition....
. Under the rules of the time, the game was settled by a rematch which Italy won 1-0.

The Spanish Civil War
Spanish Civil War

The Spanish Civil War was a major conflict in Spain that started after an attempted coup d'?tat by a group of Spanish Army generals, supported by the conservative Spanish Confederation of the Autonomous Right , Carlist groups and the fascistic Falange, against the government of the Second Spanish Republic, then under the leadership of pr...
 and World War II
World War II

World War II, or the Second World War , was a global military conflict which involved a Participants in World War II, including all of the great powers, organised into two opposing military alliances: the Allies of World War II and the Axis powers....
 prevented Spain from playing another competitive match until the 1950 World Cup
1950 FIFA World Cup

The 1950 FIFA World Cup, held in Brazil from 24 June to 16 July, was the fourth staging of the World Cup, and the first staged in 12 years due to World War II....
. There they topped their group against England
England national football team

The English national football team represents England in international Association football and is controlled by The Football Association, the governing body for football in England....
, Chile
Chile national football team

The Chilean national football team represents Chile in all major international football competitions. The team is controlled by the Federaci?n de F?tbol de Chile which was established in 1895....
 and the United States
United States men's national soccer team

The United States men's national soccer team is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation. Though soccer has not traditionally had a high profile in American sporting life, since the 1970s the sport has steadily grown in popularity, and the men's national team has risen to become one of the strongest teams in CONCACAF, is ranked 20th...
 to progress to the final round. The cup was decided in games against the other group winners — Brazil
Brazil national football team

The Brazil national football team is the national team of Brazil and is managed by the Brazilian Football Confederation that represents Brazil in international football competitions....
, Uruguay
Uruguay national football team

The Uruguay national football team is controlled by the Asociaci?n Uruguaya de F?tbol.Uruguay is one of the most successful national football teams in the world....
, and Sweden
Sweden national football team

The Swedish national football team is the national football team of Sweden and is controlled by the Swedish Football Association.History...
. Success in the tournament eluded the Spaniards as they gained only one point by drawing with eventual winners Uruguay, losing to both Brazil and Sweden. Spain placed fourth in the 1950 World Cup (as of 2008, their best performance in the competition) but did not build on their success; failing to qualify for another major tournament until the 1962 World Cup.

Under French-Argentine coach Helenio Herrera
Helenio Herrera

Helenio Herrera was a France-Argentina football player and manager. Herrera had a relatively modest career as a player but, with 16 major titles, he became not only one of the most successful, but also one of the most influential managers in the history of the game....
, Spain came out of dormancy to qualify for the first European Championship in 1960. Spain beat Poland
Poland national football team

The Poland national football team is the national Football team of Poland, under the auspices of the Polish Football Association .Poland's football history is littered with boom and bust periods, with legendary teams such as the one of the mid-seventies that beat England national football team at Wembley to qualify for the 1974 FIFA World...
 7-2 on aggregate to progress to the quarterfinals. However, Spain forfeit its quarterfinal tie with the Soviet Union
Soviet Union

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was a Constitution of the Soviet Union socialist state that existed in Eurasia from 1922 to 1991.The name is a translation of the , romanization of Russian Soyuz Sovetskikh Sotsialisticheskikh Respublik, abbreviated ????, SSSR....
 because of political circumstances between Spain's dictator Franco
Francisco Franco

Francisco Paulino Hermenegildo Te?dulo Franco y Bahamonde, Salgado y Pardo de Andrade , commonly known as Francisco Franco or Francisco Franco y Bahamonde was the dictator and Head of State of Spain from October 1936, and de facto regent of the nominally restored Kingdom of Spain from 1947 until his death in 1975....
 and the Soviets.

In 1962 José Villalonga
José Villalonga Llorente

Jos? Villalonga Llorente , commonly referred to as Jos? Villalonga and also known as Pepe Villalonga, was a Football in Spain football manager during the 1950s and 1960s....
 was appointed coach of Spain. Under Villalonga, Spain qualified for the 1962 World Cup
1962 FIFA World Cup

The 1962 FIFA World Cup, the seventh staging of the World Cup, was held in Chile from 30 May to 17 June. Chile was chosen as FIFA World Cup hosts#1962 FIFA World Cup by FIFA in June 1956, as the World Cup returned to the continent of South America after 12 years....
 but exited in the first round in a tough group against Brazil
Brazil national football team

The Brazil national football team is the national team of Brazil and is managed by the Brazilian Football Confederation that represents Brazil in international football competitions....
, Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia national football team

The Czechoslovakia national football team was the national football team of Czechoslovakia, before the country was Dissolution of Czechoslovakia into the Czech Republic and Slovakia It was controlled by the Czechoslovak Football Association from 1922 to 1993....
, and Mexico
Mexico national football team

The Mexican national football team is controlled by the Federaci?n Mexicana de F?tbol and represents Mexico in international association football competition....
. Two years later they hosted the European Championship. With a squad that included Luis Suárez
Luis Suárez Miramontes

Luis Su?rez Miramontes is a Spanish former footballer and manager. He played as a midfielder for Deportivo de La Coru?a, CD Espa?a Industrial, CF Barcelona, Inter Milan, U.C....
, Francisco Gento
Francisco Gento

Francisco "Paco" Gento L?pez is a former Spain association football player....
, Josep Fusté
Josep Fusté

Josep Mar?a Fust? Blanch , was a Football in Spain Football in Catalonia footballer and captain of CF Barcelona during the 1960s and early 1970s....
 and José Ángel Iribar
José Ángel Iribar

Jos? ?ngel Iribar Cortajarena, El Chopo is a former Spain footballer and manager. He played as goalkeeper for CD Baskonia, Athletic Bilbao and Spain national football team....
, Spain beat Romania
Romania national football team

The Romania national football team is the national football team of Romania and is controlled by the Romanian Football Federation.Romania is one of only four national teams, the other three being Brazil national football team, France national football team, and Belgium national football team, that took part in the first three FIFA World Cu...
, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland national football team

The Northern Ireland national football team represents Northern Ireland in international football . In such events, the individual countries of the United Kingdom compete separately, but do not participate in the Olympic Games....
 and the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland national football team

The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Republic of Ireland in Association Football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Croke Park in Dublin....
 to move on to the semifinals. There they beat highly-favored Hungary
Hungary national football team

The Hungary national football team represents Hungary in international Football and is controlled by the Hungarian Football Federation. It has a rich and proud pedigree in the game and a rightful place in football annals as one of the first original footballing nations in continental Europe and an innovator in the sport in the 1950s....
 2-1 in extra time. They went on to face the USSR 2-1 before a crowd of more than 79,000 at the Bernabéu
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

The Santiago Bernab?u is a football stadium in Madrid, Spain. It is the home of Real Madrid. Work on the grounds started on October 27 1944. Originally called Estadio Chamart?n after Madrid's previous stadium, it was inaugurated in December 1947....
 in Madrid
Madrid

Madrid is the Capital and largest city of Spain. It is the Largest cities of the European Union by population within city limits in the European Union after Greater London and Berlin, and its Madrid metropolitan area is the Largest urban areas of the European Union in the European Union after Paris aire urbaine, Greater London Urban Area, a...
. Jesus María Pereda
Jesus María Pereda

Jes?s Mar?a Pereda Ruiz de Temi?o, , also known as Chus Pereda or Txus Pereda, was a Spain footballer who played for FC Barcelona during the 1960s....
 put Spain ahead after just six minutes, but Galimzian Khusainov equalised a few minutes later with a free kick. Marcelino Martínez
Marcelino Martínez

Marcelino Mart?nez Cao, also known as Marcelino , was a former Spain football player.During his career, he played mainly for Real Zaragoza....
 put in a late header to win Spain's first major international title.

As European Champions, Spain automatically qualified for the 1966 World Cup
1966 FIFA World Cup

The 1966 FIFA World Cup, the eighth staging of the World Cup, was held in England from 11 July to 30 July. England was chosen as FIFA World Cup hosts#1966 FIFA World Cup by FIFA in August 1960 to celebrate the centenary of the The Football Association in England....
 retaining much of the same squad from 1964 and keeping José Villalonga at the reins. However, they failed to make an impression and exited in the first round, defeating only Switzerland
Switzerland national football team

The Swiss national football team is the national football team of Switzerland and is controlled by the Swiss Football Association.Its best performances in the Football World Cup have been reaching the quarter-finals three times, in Football World Cup 1934, Football World Cup 1938 and when the country hosted the event in Football World Cup...
 and losing to West Germany and Argentina
Argentina national football team

The Argentina national football team is the national football team of Argentina and is controlled by the Asociaci?n del F?tbol Argentino . Argentina has the world record for most international titles won by any national team....
.

1968 to 1975

The departure of Villalonga put Spain into another period of wilderness with mixed results. After winning their group in the qualifying rounds of the 1968 European Championship, they were knocked out by England
England national football team

The English national football team represents England in international Association football and is controlled by The Football Association, the governing body for football in England....
 in the quarterfinals and did not make it to the final tournament held in Italy. Spain did not qualify for another tournament until Euro 76.

Post-Francoist Spain, Late 70s and Early 80s

Spain came back into contention with an impressive undefeated performance in their Euro 76 qualifying group which featured Romania
Romania national football team

The Romania national football team is the national football team of Romania and is controlled by the Romanian Football Federation.Romania is one of only four national teams, the other three being Brazil national football team, France national football team, and Belgium national football team, that took part in the first three FIFA World Cu...
, Scotland
Scotland national football team

The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in FIFA football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Scotland are the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England national football team, whom they played in the world's Scotland v England in 1872....
, and Denmark
Denmark national football team

The Denmark national football team is controlled by the Danish Football Association and has represented the country of Denmark in international football competitions since 1908....
. But Spain's momentum ran out in the quarterfinals, where they lost 3-1 on aggregate to a dominant West German
Germany national football team

The German national football team is the association football team representing the country of Germany in international competition since 1908....
 side.

The 1978 World Cup
1978 FIFA World Cup

The 1978 FIFA World Cup, the 11th staging of the World Cup, was held in Argentina between 1 June and 25 June. Argentina was chosen as FIFA World Cup hosts#1974, 1978, 1982 FIFA World Cups by FIFA in July 1966....
 witnessed Spain's first World Cup appearance since 1966. Spain qualified by defeating Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia national football team

The Yugoslavia national football team represented the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in association football....
 home and away and losing only to Romania
Romania national football team

The Romania national football team is the national football team of Romania and is controlled by the Romanian Football Federation.Romania is one of only four national teams, the other three being Brazil national football team, France national football team, and Belgium national football team, that took part in the first three FIFA World Cu...
 in Bucharest
Bucharest

Bucharest is the capital city, industrial and commercial centre of Romania. It is the largest city in Romania, located in the southeast of the country, at , and lies on the banks of the D?mbovita River....
. In the final tournament Spain were drawn into group 3 with Brazil
Brazil national football team

The Brazil national football team is the national team of Brazil and is managed by the Brazilian Football Confederation that represents Brazil in international football competitions....
, Austria
Austria national football team

The Austria national football team is the Football team that represents the country of Austria in international competition and is controlled by the Austrian Football Association ....
, and Sweden
Sweden national football team

The Swedish national football team is the national football team of Sweden and is controlled by the Swedish Football Association.History...
. Spain started the finals by losing 2-1 to Austria, but kept their hopes alive drawing with Brazil 0-0 and defeating Sweden 1-0. But it was too little too late for Spain and they didn't proceed out of the group.

Euro 80 saw Spain qualify for the first eight-team European championship. After surpassing Romania
Romania national football team

The Romania national football team is the national football team of Romania and is controlled by the Romanian Football Federation.Romania is one of only four national teams, the other three being Brazil national football team, France national football team, and Belgium national football team, that took part in the first three FIFA World Cu...
, Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia national football team

The Yugoslavia national football team represented the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in association football....
, and Cyprus
Cyprus national football team

The Cyprus national football team is the national football team of the island of Cyprus and is controlled by the Cyprus Football Association. They have never reached the finals of either the UEFA European Championship or the FIFA World Cup....
, Spain was drawn into group B with England
England national football team

The English national football team represents England in international Association football and is controlled by The Football Association, the governing body for football in England....
, Italy
Italy national football team

The Italian national football team is controlled by the Italian Football Federation and represents Italy in international Football competition....
, and Belgium
Belgium national football team

The Belgium national football team is the national football team of Belgium and is controlled by the Belgian Football Association....
. Spain gained only one point after a draw with Italy and again exited without reaching the quarterfinals.

1982 World Cup in Spain

In 1976 Spain was selected as host of the 1982 FIFA World Cup
1982 FIFA World Cup

The 1982 FIFA World Cup, the 12th FIFA World Cup, was held in Spain from 13 June to 11 July. Spain was chosen as FIFA World Cup hosts#1974, 1978, 1982 FIFA World Cups by FIFA in July 1966....
. This edition of the World Cup featured 24 teams for the first time. Expectations were high for Spain as the host nation under coach José Santamaría
José Santamaria

Jos? Emilio Santamar?a Iglesias is an Spain-Uruguay former Football player and coach. He is regarded by many as one of the all-time greatest Defender ....
. In the group stages, Spain was drawn into Group 5 with Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland national football team

The Northern Ireland national football team represents Northern Ireland in international football . In such events, the individual countries of the United Kingdom compete separately, but do not participate in the Olympic Games....
, Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia national football team

The Yugoslavia national football team represented the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in association football....
, and Honduras
Honduras national football team

The Honduras national football team, nicknamed Los Catrachos, is the national team of Honduras and is controlled by the Federaci?n Nacional Aut?noma de F?tbol de Honduras .They are a rising power in CONCACAF, an ascent that started with their third place finish in the Copa Am?rica 2001, where they were a late invitee, due to a late withdr...
. Under pressure to perform well, Spain struggled through their group. On their first day of competition, they could only manage a 1-1 draw with unfancied Honduras. They picked up momentum with an impressive 2-1 victory over Yugoslavia but were defeated 1-0 by Northern Ireland. Despite the defeat, Spain progressed to the second round where they were drawn into Group B with West Germany
Germany national football team

The German national football team is the association football team representing the country of Germany in international competition since 1908....
 and England
England national football team

The English national football team represents England in international Association football and is controlled by The Football Association, the governing body for football in England....
.

Spain played Germany first where Pierre Littbarski
Pierre Littbarski

Pierre Michael Littbarski is a Germany football manager and former player, and was a Football World Cup winner with Germany national football team in Football World Cup 1990....
 and Klaus Fischer
Klaus Fischer

Klaus Fischer is a Germany former Association football and coach....
 put the Germans 2-0 up. Spain's Jesús María Zamora
Jesús María Zamora

Jes?s Mar?a Zamora Ansorena is a former Spain football . He played for the Spain national football team, earning 30 caps and scoring 3 goals. He took part in the 1980 European Football Championship and 1982 FIFA World Cup....
 managed to pull one back for the Spaniards but, ultimately, only served as a consolation goal. The last match of the group was between Spain and England. Spain needed a win to progress as England had drawn 0-0 with Germany six days earlier. The game ended 0-0, Spain were knocked out as England and Germany progressed, disappointment swept the country and Santamaría was sacked.

1984 to 1988

After a disappointing World Cup campaign on home soil, Spain was desperate to regain their credibility on the world footballing stage. Former Real Madrid coach Miguel Muñoz
Miguel Muñoz

Miguel Mu?oz Moz?n was a Spanish footballer and manager. Mu?oz spent the majority of his career at Real Madrid where he is still the club's longest serving and most successful coach to date....
, who had temporarily coached Spain in 1969, returned to the national side. Spain topped Euro 84 qualifying Group 7, which consisted of the Netherlands
Netherlands national football team

The Netherlands national football team is the national Association football team of the Netherlands and is controlled by the Royal Netherlands Football Association....
, Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland national football team

The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Republic of Ireland in Association Football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Croke Park in Dublin....
, Iceland
Iceland national football team

The Iceland national football team is the national football team of Iceland and is controlled by the Football Association of Iceland. It has never advanced to the finals of any major international competition....
, and Malta
Malta national football team

The Malta national football team is the national football team of Malta and is controlled by the Malta Football Association. It has never advanced to the finals of any major international competition and as of 12 October 2006 has won only four competitive matches....
. Spain passed the qualifying stage unexpectedly, as they had to defeat Malta by at least 11 goals to surpass the Netherlands for the top spot in the group. After going into the half leading Malta 3-1, Spain scored 9 goals in the second half to win by 12-1 and conquer the group. In the final tournament, Spain were dubbed as outsiders by bookmakers despite many talented players and a strong football league. Spain were drawn into group B with West Germany, Portugal, and Romania. In their first game, they drew 1-1 with underdogs Romania. Three days later they drew 1-1 again with Portugal. Spain topped the group with an impressive 1-0 victory over West Germany to avenge their defeat two years earlier. The semifinals saw Spain paired with darkhorses Denmark. With the game ending 1-1 after extra time, Spain defeated Denmark 5-4 on penalties after Preben Elkjær shot over the bar. Going beyond anyone's expectations Spain reached the final to face the hosts and tournament favorites France. Led by captain Michel Platini
Michel Platini

Michel Fran?ois Platini is a France former football player, manager and current president of the UEFA.Platini was a member of the France national football team that won the 1984 UEFA European Football Championship, a tournament in which he was voted the best player and top goalscorer....
, France were tipped as heavy favorites and defeated Spain 2-0 after a goalless first half.

To build on their impressive Euro 84 performance, Muñoz helped Spain qualify for the 1986 World Cup
1986 FIFA World Cup

The 1986 FIFA World Cup, the 13th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in Mexico from 31 May to 29 June. It was won by Argentina national football team , who beat Germany national football team 3-2 in the final at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca....
 in Mexico
Mexico

The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federalism constitutionalism republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of Mexico....
. Spain progressed in qualifying having topped Group 7 with Scotland
Scotland national football team

The Scotland national football team represents Scotland in FIFA football and is controlled by the Scottish Football Association. Scotland are the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside England national football team, whom they played in the world's Scotland v England in 1872....
, Wales
Wales national football team

The Wales national football team represents Wales in international men's association football. It is controlled by the Football Association of Wales, the governing body for football in Wales and the third oldest national football association in the world....
, and Iceland
Iceland national football team

The Iceland national football team is the national football team of Iceland and is controlled by the Football Association of Iceland. It has never advanced to the finals of any major international competition....
. Muñoz took Spain to Mexico with a mixed squad of new and veteran players. Spain's group in the final tournament consisted of Brazil
Brazil national football team

The Brazil national football team is the national team of Brazil and is managed by the Brazilian Football Confederation that represents Brazil in international football competitions....
, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland national football team

The Northern Ireland national football team represents Northern Ireland in international football . In such events, the individual countries of the United Kingdom compete separately, but do not participate in the Olympic Games....
, and Algeria
Algeria national football team

The Algeria national football team, nicknamed Les Fennecs , is the national team of Algeria and is controlled by the F?d?ration Alg?rienne de Football....
. Spain began the tournament nervously losing to Brazil 1-0. However, they progressed after beating Northern Ireland by 2-1 and Algeria by 3-0. Round 2 paired Spain with Denmark
Denmark national football team

The Denmark national football team is controlled by the Danish Football Association and has represented the country of Denmark in international football competitions since 1908....
 which had swept its group with three victories. In what was one of the strangest World Cup games, Spain defeated Denmark 5-1 with Emilio Butragueño
Emilio Butragueño

Emilio Butrague?o Santos is a former Spain soccer forward who played for Real Madrid Castilla, Real Madrid C.F., Atl?tico Celaya and Spain national football team....
 scoring four goals. Spain progressed to the quarterfinals to face a Belgian
Belgium national football team

The Belgium national football team is the national football team of Belgium and is controlled by the Belgian Football Association....
 side fresh off an impressive 4-3 victory over the USSR. The game finished 1-1 after 90 minutes and — with neither side scoring in extra time — proceeded to penalty kicks. Spain's 1986 campaign ended with Belgium winning 5-4 on penalties. Despite their quarterfinal exit, the squad of 1986 was Spain's highest-scoring national team until 2008.

Muñoz was retained as coach for Euro 88. As in the several previous tournaments Spain qualified impressively in a group with Austria
Austria national football team

The Austria national football team is the Football team that represents the country of Austria in international competition and is controlled by the Austrian Football Association ....
, Romania
Romania national football team

The Romania national football team is the national football team of Romania and is controlled by the Romanian Football Federation.Romania is one of only four national teams, the other three being Brazil national football team, France national football team, and Belgium national football team, that took part in the first three FIFA World Cu...
, and Albania
Albania national football team

The Albania national football team is the national football team of Albania and is controlled by the Football Association of Albania.Although not considered as one of the strongest footballing sides in Europe, Albanians are passionate about their football and the national team has occasionally managed to perform well against more illustriou...
. Spain were drawn into group A with West Germany
Germany national football team

The German national football team is the association football team representing the country of Germany in international competition since 1908....
, Italy
Italy national football team

The Italian national football team is controlled by the Italian Football Federation and represents Italy in international Football competition....
, and Denmark
Denmark national football team

The Denmark national football team is controlled by the Danish Football Association and has represented the country of Denmark in international football competitions since 1908....
. They began their tournament with a 3-2 victory over Denmark. However, their luck ended when they were knocked-out in the group stage after losing 1-0 and 2-0 to Italy and West Germany, respectively.

1990 to 1992

The 90s began with Spain looking to perform well and compensate for poor performances at Euro 88 at the 1990 World Cup
1990 FIFA World Cup

The 1990 FIFA World Cup, the 14th staging of the World Cup, was held in Italy from 8 June to 8 July. Italy was chosen as FIFA World Cup hosts#1990 FIFA World Cup by FIFA on 19 May 1984, making it the second country to host the event twice....
 in Italy. For 1990, Spain's new coach Luis Suárez
Luis Suárez Miramontes

Luis Su?rez Miramontes is a Spanish former footballer and manager. He played as a midfielder for Deportivo de La Coru?a, CD Espa?a Industrial, CF Barcelona, Inter Milan, U.C....
 selected many new players including Manuel Jiménez
Manuel Jiménez Jiménez

Manuel Jim?nez Jim?nez is a former Spain football , currently working as the coach of Sevilla FC....
, Genar Andrinúa
Genar Andrinúa

Genar Andrin?a Cortabarr?a is a former Spain football of Basque people ethnicity.During his career he played for Athletic Bilbao and Real Valladolid....
, and Martín Vázquez
Rafael Martín Vázquez

Rafael Mart?n V?zquez was a Spain football midfielder.Rafael joined the youth teams of Real Madrid C.F. in 1980. He made his debut in the first team in 1983 and grew famous as a part of the Quinta del Buitre....
. Spain qualified from a group consisting of Republic of Ireland, Hungary, Northern Ireland, and Malta. Before the tournament Spain looked impressive by going almost undefeated in their friendly and qualifier games. In the final tournament Spain was in group E with Belgium, Uruguay, and Korea Republic. Spain began with a less than impressive 0-0 draw with Uruguay. They later defeated Korea 3-1 and avenged Belgium 2-1 after 1986. Spain's impressive first round performance was tarnished by a 2-1 defeat to Yugoslavia in the second round. As a result Spain exited earlier than expected having disappointed their fans for not improving on their 1986 campaign.

Further disappointment followed when newly appointed coach Vicente Miera
Vicente Miera

Vicente Miera Campos is a former Spain football Coach and player.Miera played for Real Madrid and was part of their UEFA Champions League victory in European Cup 1965-66....
 failed to qualify Spain for Euro 92 after finishing third in a group behind France and Czechoslovakia. Vicente Miera did however lead Spain to the gold medal at the 1992 Olympics
Football at the 1992 Summer Olympics

The Football competition at the 1992 Summer Olympics was the first Under-23 competition....
 in Barcelona
Barcelona

Barcelona is the capital and most populous city of the Autonomous communities of Spain of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain, with a population of 1,615,908 in 2008, while the population of the Metropolitan Area was 3,161,081....
.

Clemente's reign, 1992-98

Javier Clemente was appointed as Spain's coach in 1992 in hopes of bringing home a major international trophy. The 1994 World Cup was once again a testing ground for Spain's ability to perform well at the senior level. Spain qualified very impressively with nineteen points from twelve matches, a twenty three goal differential, and ranked as number five in Europe. In the final tournament Spain were drawn in Group C with Germany, Bolivia, and Korea Republic. The Spaniards were expected to easily progress to the second round alongside Germany. In their first game Spain drew with Korea 2-2 having given up a 2-0 lead. Three days later they drew 1-1 with Germany also giving up the lead. Spain qualified for the second round as expected with a 3-1 victory over Bolivia. Spain continued their success in the second round with a 3-0 victory over Switzerland. Their success ended with a controversial 2-1 defeat to Italy in the quarter-finals.Roberto Baggio would scored the game winner for Italy,in the last minutes a nasty and bloody foul committed by Mauro Tassotti
Mauro Tassotti

Mauro Tassotti is an Italy former football player. He played for seventeen years with A.C. Milan, mostly at right back but could also fill in at centre back if required....
 towards Luis Enrique
Luís Enrique Martínez García

Luis Enrique, full name Luis Enrique Mart?nez Garc?a is a former Spain Football . His usual position was right midfielder or attacking midfielder, but he was notable for his versatility, having played in all positions throughout his career except Defender #Centre back and goalkeeper....
 left the Spanish midfielder's nose broken in the penalty box, but with no penalty call given. The 1994 campaign was seen as one of Spain's best despite the disappointment. Spain were once again left searching for a performance beyond the quarter-finals.

Clemente was hoping to build on their impressive yet disappointing performance in 1994 to perform well at Euro 96. Spain qualified as expected with impressive results from their group consisting of Denmark, Belgium, Cyprus, Macedonia, and Armenia. The final tournament witnessed Spain in a group with France, Romania, and Bulgaria. Their first game once again proved to be below expectations as they failed to beat Bulgaria and drew 1-1. After Bulgaria, Spain faced what proved to be a very strong French side but fought to sluggish 1-1 draw. Spain confirmed their place in the quarter-finals with a 2-1 win over a weak Romanian squad. In their quarter-final match with host England, Spain ran out of luck as they had a pair of goals questionably disallowed and were denied two possible penalties. Spain eventually fell 4-2 in the shootout.

In his second World Cup as Spain's coach, Clemente put his team through intensive training to try to put themselves as serious contenders to do well at the 1998 World Cup in France after yet another dismal performance at Euro 96. Many new rising stars such as Raúl González
Raúl González

Ra?l Gonz?lez Blanco , usually known simply as Ra?l, is a Spanish Association football striker who plays for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid C.F.....
 and Fernando Morientes
Fernando Morientes

Fernando Morientes S?nchez is a Spain Association football who plays for Valencia CF. He has previously played for Liverpool F.C., AS Monaco FC, Albacete Balompi?, Real Zaragoza and most notably Real Madrid C.F....
 were giving Spanish fans hope for the upcoming tournament. Despite falling in the world rankings to a record low before the World Cup, Spain went undefeated in their qualifying group with Yugoslavia and Czech Republic being the other contenders. Spain qualified with fourteen other European sides in the first ever thirty-two team World Cup. Group D consisted of Spain, Bulgaria, Paraguay, and Nigeria. In their first game against African powers Nigeria, Spain led 1-0 and 2-1 in each half with much superiority. However, Nigeria amazingly turned the game around in the last twenty minutes and won 3-2 largely in part by an error made by all-time capped Spanish goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta
Andoni Zubizarreta

Andoni Zubizarreta Urreta is a former Spanish association football Goalkeeper , and the all-time most cap player for the Spain national football team....
. This defeat left Spain's hopeful campaign in ruins and sent Javier Clemente searching for answers. Their second game was a minor improvement, but left Spanish fans disappointed once again as Spain could only manage a 0-0 draw with Paraguay. After only a point from their first two games, Spain needed to rely on Nigeria and Paraguay drawing their match in order to qualify. In their last group game Spain fought valiantly to crush Bulgaria 6-1 hoping that goal differential would send them through. Spain's hopes did not go as planned as Paraguay defeated Nigeria 3-1. Spain were eliminated in the first round with only four points and finished third behind Paraguay and Nigeria. This was by far one of the most disappointing Spanish campaigns in recent times.

Euro 2000 and World Cup 2002

After a 3-2 opening defeat to Cyprus in Euro 2000 qualifying Clemente was sacked and José Antonio Camacho was promptly appointed as coach. Camacho immediately turned Spain's campaign around and Spain won the rest of their games to qualify for Euro 2000, including two 9-0 wins against Austria and San Marino. Once again Spain's hopes rested on a new coach and young players such as Raúl González
Raúl González

Ra?l Gonz?lez Blanco , usually known simply as Ra?l, is a Spanish Association football striker who plays for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid C.F.....
, Fernando Morientes
Fernando Morientes

Fernando Morientes S?nchez is a Spain Association football who plays for Valencia CF. He has previously played for Liverpool F.C., AS Monaco FC, Albacete Balompi?, Real Zaragoza and most notably Real Madrid C.F....
, Míchel Salgado
Míchel Salgado

Miguel ?ngel Salgado Fern?ndez is a Spain football , who currently plays in the defender position for Real Madrid of Spain. He is known for his combative tackling and attacking play....
, and Juan Carlos Valerón
Juan Carlos Valerón

Juan Carlos Valer?n Santana is a Spain football who plays as an attacking midfielder, currently for Deportivo de La Coru?a.Valer?n is an exemplary player noted for his outstanding character, and alongside players like Ra?l Gonz?lez is regarded as a role model, rightfully combining temperament and passion....
. Spain again were going to a major competition as one of the contenders for the title. In the final tournament Spain were in group C with Norway
Norway national football team

The Norwegian national football team, controlled by the Norwegian Football Association, is the national football team of Norway. The team played its first international in 1908....
, Slovenia
Slovenia national football team

The Slovenia national football team is the national football team of Slovenia and is controlled by the Football Association of Slovenia. They played their first match in 1992 after the split of Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1991....
, and Yugoslavia. As always, Spain started their campaign with disappointment, losing 1-0 to the Norwegians. But Spain got back into the tournament with a 2-1 victory over the Slovenians. Their last game proved to be another nerve wreck as they looked to be going out of the tournament. Their last game was against Balkan powerhouse Yugoslavia. Spain started the match nervously by going down 1-0 with a goal from Yugoslav forward Savo Miloševic
Savo Miloševic

Savo Milo?evic is a former Serbs association football.At club level, Milo?evic has played for FK Partizan, Aston Villa F.C., Real Zaragoza, Parma F.C., RCD Espanyol, Celta de Vigo, CA Osasuna and FC Rubin Kazan....
. Alfonso Pérez
Alfonso Pérez

Alfonso P?rez Mu?oz , usually referred to as Alfonso, is a former Spain national football team soccer, in the striker position.Having represented both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona during his career, Alfonso possessed above-average heading ability despite not reaching 180 cms....
 was able to put a goal back for Spain in the 38th minute ending the first half with a 1-1 score. However, shortly after halftime Spain went down again 2-1 but made it 2-2 on 51 minutes with a goal by Pedro Munitis
Pedro Munitis

Pedro Munitis ?lvarez is a Spanish people soccer who currently plays for Racing de Santander.At 5'6" , Munitis is one of the shortest players in La Liga....
. Spain went down yet again for the third time, with the score 3-2 at 75 minutes. With only fifteen minutes left Spain desperately searched for an equalizer. After throwing every player forward Spain was still down 3-2, but at the 90th minute another Spanish goal from a late penalty by Gaizka Mendieta and a dramatic second goal by Alfonso Pérez in the dying seconds of stoppage time astonishingly turned the game around making the final score 4-3 for Spain. Spain finished at the top of group C to book a quarterfinal clash with 1998 World Cup Champions, France
France national football team

The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football . It is fielded by the French Football Federation and competes as a member of UEFA....
. After the thrilling clash with Yugoslavia, Spain were confident in shocking the world champions. The game began with a dramatic first half with bombardment of both goals. The half ended 2-1 for the French. However, late in the second half Spain was awarded a penalty. Raúl González
Raúl González

Ra?l Gonz?lez Blanco , usually known simply as Ra?l, is a Spanish Association football striker who plays for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid C.F.....
 took the spot kick but shot over the crossbar. Despite a strong Spanish attack France
France national football team

The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football . It is fielded by the French Football Federation and competes as a member of UEFA....
 held on to win and knock Spain out prematurely. Disappointment and sadness swept Spain as the team could not impress their fans and suffered yet another quarterfinal exit.

Spain hoped once again for a good World Cup impression in 2002 in the Far East. Qualifying went as expected for Spain as they topped an easy group consisting of Austria
Austria national football team

The Austria national football team is the Football team that represents the country of Austria in international competition and is controlled by the Austrian Football Association ....
, Israel
Israel national football team

The Israeli National Football Team is the List of men's national association football teams of Israel and is controlled by the Israel Football Association ....
, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team

The Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team is the national football team of Bosnia and Herzegovina and is controlled by the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina....
, and Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein national football team

The Liechtenstein national football team is the national football team of Liechtenstein and is controlled by the Liechtenstein Football Association....
. Under Camacho Spain hoped that lessons learned from Euro 2000 would bring them better luck. But for Santiago Cañizares
Santiago Cañizares

Jos? Santiago Ca?izares Ruiz is a retired Spain association football Goalkeeper . Ca?izares finished his career at Valencia CF, where he appeared in more than 400 official games since 1998....
 it was bad luck. Right before the competition started, he got injured and couldn't participate as the starting goalkeeper. This gave the 21 year old Iker Casillas
Íker Casillas

Iker Casillas Fern?ndez ; is a Spain association football Goalkeeper who plays for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid C.F. and the Spain national football team....
 the starting position. In the final tournament Spain were drawn into group B with Slovenia
Slovenia national football team

The Slovenia national football team is the national football team of Slovenia and is controlled by the Football Association of Slovenia. They played their first match in 1992 after the split of Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1991....
, Paraguay
Paraguay national football team

The Paraguay national football team is the national team of Paraguay and is controlled by the Asociaci?n Paraguaya de F?tbol.The Paraguay national football team has reached the second round of the Football World Cup on three occasions but has never advanced beyond that stage....
, and South Africa
South Africa national football team

The South Africa national football team or Bafana Bafana , is the national team of South Africa and is controlled by the South African Football Association....
. This time Spain began the World Cup very strongly with 3-1 victories over Slovenia
Slovenia national football team

The Slovenia national football team is the national football team of Slovenia and is controlled by the Football Association of Slovenia. They played their first match in 1992 after the split of Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1991....
 and Paraguay
Paraguay national football team

The Paraguay national football team is the national team of Paraguay and is controlled by the Asociaci?n Paraguaya de F?tbol.The Paraguay national football team has reached the second round of the Football World Cup on three occasions but has never advanced beyond that stage....
 and a 3-2 victory over South Africa
South Africa national football team

The South Africa national football team or Bafana Bafana , is the national team of South Africa and is controlled by the South African Football Association....
. This was also the first time since the 1950 World Cup
FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup, occasionally called the Football World Cup, but usually referred to simply as the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the List of men's national association football teams of the members of F?d?ration Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global govern...
 that Spain started the competition with a win. A lot of supporters saw this as a sign (since Spain's best ever finish in a world cup was at the 1950 world cup, finishing 4th). Spain topped the group with nine points to face off a second round contest with the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland national football team

The Republic of Ireland national football team represents Republic of Ireland in Association Football. It is run by the Football Association of Ireland and currently plays home fixtures at Croke Park in Dublin....
. An early goal from Spanish striker Fernando Morientes
Fernando Morientes

Fernando Morientes S?nchez is a Spain Association football who plays for Valencia CF. He has previously played for Liverpool F.C., AS Monaco FC, Albacete Balompi?, Real Zaragoza and most notably Real Madrid C.F....
 gave hope to the Spaniards. With just stoppage time remaining after the 90th minute, Fernando Hierro
Fernando Hierro

Fernando Ruiz Hierro, Pronunciation is a former Spain football . He is most famous as a member of Real Madrid and Spain national football team.He started his career as a striker and was eventually moved back to play as a defensive midfielder, and a central defender....
 brought Robbie Keane
Robbie Keane

Robert David "Robbie" Keane is an Republic of Ireland football , currently playing for Tottenham Hotspur F.C.. He is also the current Captain and all-time record goalscorer for the Republic of Ireland national football team....
 down in the penalty box and Ireland was awarded a penalty. The same man who had been fouled pulled the Irish level and the game went to extra-time where, unexpectedly, Spain was left with nine players on the field due to back-to-back injuries and no more sub-ins available. However, Spain were able to hold on and force the penalty shoot-out, where the young Iker Casillas
Íker Casillas

Iker Casillas Fern?ndez ; is a Spain association football Goalkeeper who plays for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid C.F. and the Spain national football team....
 proved himself worthy of the starting goalkeeper spot, stopping three penalties. Spain came out on top with a 3-2 victory. Spain booked a quarterfinal berth with hosts Korea Republic
Korea Republic national football team

The Korea Republic national football team represents South Korea in international Football competitions. The team, also known as South Korea, is recognized as Korea Republic by FIFA....
 who upset Italy
Italy national football team

The Italian national football team is controlled by the Italian Football Federation and represents Italy in international Football competition....
 in round two. Spanish fans were confident this was the year Spain was to progress beyond the quarterfinals in any major tournament since Euro 84. After a hard fought 120 minutes and two disallowed goals for the Spaniards (The referee disallowed Fernando Morientes
Fernando Morientes

Fernando Morientes S?nchez is a Spain Association football who plays for Valencia CF. He has previously played for Liverpool F.C., AS Monaco FC, Albacete Balompi?, Real Zaragoza and most notably Real Madrid C.F....
' goal on the ground that the ball had gone out of play. However replays showed that the ball was still in play.), Spain faced another penalty shootout. Spain scored three penalties as did Korea. However, Spain's worst nightmare became reality after Joaquín
Joaquin

Joaquin may refer to:People with the given name Joaqu?n:*Joaqu?n *Joaquin Phoenix*Joaqu?n S?nchez, known as Joaquin, a Spanish footballer....
 had his penalty saved. Korea scored their last two penalties through Ahn Jung-Hwan and Hong Myung-Bo to knock Spain out of the 2002 World Cup. Spanish fans were shocked by another successive, and highly controversial, quarterfinal exit.

Euro 2004

At Euro 2004
2004 UEFA European Football Championship

The 2004 UEFA European Football Championship was the twelfth tournament of the UEFA European Football Championship, a quadrennial association football tournament for European nations, and was held in Portugal, for the first time, between 12 June and 4 July 2004....
 in Portugal, Spain were drawn into group A with Portugal
Portugal national football team

The Portugal national football team is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation , finishing 4th at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The first appearance in the 1966 FIFA World cup saw them reach the semi final, losing 2-1 at Wembley Stadium to the eventual world champions England national football team....
, Russia
Russia national football team

The Russia national football team is the national football team of Russia controlled by the Football Union of Russia and affiliated with UEFA....
 and Greece
Greece national football team

The Greece national football team is the national Association football team of Greece and is controlled by the Hellenic Football Federation....
. After coming into second after Greece in qualifying, Spain looked very strong. The Spanish team were touted as heavy favorites for the 2004 crown by the European media. They possessed new and fresh players such as Fernando Torres
Fernando Torres

Fernando Jos? Torres Sanz is a Spanish Association football who plays for Premier League club Liverpool F.C. and the Spain national football team as a forward ....
 and Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso

Xabier Alonso Olano, commonly known as Xabi Alonso ; born 25 November 1981) is a Spanish Association football who plays for English Premier League club Liverpool F.C....
 under new coach Iñaki Sáez
Iñaki Sáez

Jos? Ignacio S?ez Ruiz, often called I?aki S?ez is a retired Spanish people football player, currently working as a football manager.He played 3 matches for Spain national football team....
. Spain were also hoping that the tournaments proximity would contribute to their success. On June 12, Spain expectedly defeated Russia
Russia national football team

The Russia national football team is the national football team of Russia controlled by the Football Union of Russia and affiliated with UEFA....
, 1-0, the goal scored by Juan Carlos Valerón
Juan Carlos Valerón

Juan Carlos Valer?n Santana is a Spain football who plays as an attacking midfielder, currently for Deportivo de La Coru?a.Valer?n is an exemplary player noted for his outstanding character, and alongside players like Ra?l Gonz?lez is regarded as a role model, rightfully combining temperament and passion....
 just 36 seconds after coming on with various opportunities to increase the victory, such as a miss kick from Joseba Etxeberría
Joseba Etxeberría

Joseba Andoni Etxeberria Lizardi is a Spanish people football winger , who currently plays for Athletic de Bilbao in La Liga.Famed for his dribbling, pace and fierce shot, he is also known by the nickname El Gallo because of his long neck....
 against a virtually open goal, and a disallowed goal from Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso

Xabier Alonso Olano, commonly known as Xabi Alonso ; born 25 November 1981) is a Spanish Association football who plays for English Premier League club Liverpool F.C....
 for tapping the ball with his hand after heading it over Sergei Ovchinnikov
Sergei Ovchinnikov

Sergei Ivanovich Ovchinnikov or Boss is a football goalkeeper who played for the Russia national football team and last represented FC Dynamo Moscow....
. Four days later Spain faced Greece
Greece national football team

The Greece national football team is the national Association football team of Greece and is controlled by the Hellenic Football Federation....
. Determined to win, Spain led the match until Greece
Greece national football team

The Greece national football team is the national Association football team of Greece and is controlled by the Hellenic Football Federation....
 scored an equalizer and the match ended 1-1. In their last game against Portugal
Portugal national football team

The Portugal national football team is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation , finishing 4th at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The first appearance in the 1966 FIFA World cup saw them reach the semi final, losing 2-1 at Wembley Stadium to the eventual world champions England national football team....
, Spain needed to draw to qualify for the quarterfinals. However, a goal from Nuno Gomes
Nuno Gomes

Nuno Miguel Soares Pereira Ribeiro, born on 5 July 1976 in Amarante. He is a captain and striker who plays for the Portugal national football team and currently plays for S.L....
 faded Spain's hopes of advancing. The same day Greece
Greece national football team

The Greece national football team is the national Association football team of Greece and is controlled by the Hellenic Football Federation....
 were defeated 2-1 by Russia
Russia national football team

The Russia national football team is the national football team of Russia controlled by the Football Union of Russia and affiliated with UEFA....
 but moved ahead to claim second place on goal difference. As a result Spain were eliminated from Euro 2004 in the first round that consisted of the tournament's eventual finalists in Portugal and Greece. This exit was considered the most disappointing result since the 1998 World Cup. Iñaki Sáez was sacked only weeks later and replaced by Luis Aragonés.

Luis Aragonés era, 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008

Under Luis Aragonés
Luis Aragonés

Jos? Luis Aragon?s Su?rez , sometimes referred to as simply Luis, is a former Spain footballer and national coach, and currently the coach of Fenerbah?e S.K....
, Spain struggled throughout the 2006 World Cup qualifying stage. Spain were in group 7 with Serbia & Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Belgium, Lithuania, and San Marino. Despite mixed results including five wins and draws, Spain qualified for a playoff spot with Slovakia. Spain qualified for the final tournament after defeating Slovakia 6-2 on aggregate. Many didn't know what to expect of Spain heading into Germany; despite almost failing to qualify, the Spanish side had many talented players. Spain were drawn into Group H with Ukraine
Ukraine national football team

The Ukraine national football team is the national football team of Ukraine and is controlled by the Football Federation of Ukraine. After the split of the Soviet Union, they played their first match against Hungary national football team on April 29, 1992....
, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia national football team

The Saudi Arabia national football team is the national team of Saudi Arabia and is controlled by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation. Considered one of Asia's most successful national teams, Saudi Arabia has won the Asian Cup three times and qualified for the Football World Cup four consecutive times ever since debuting at the Football W...
, and Tunisia
Tunisia national football team

The Tunisia national football team , nicknamed Les Aigles de Carthage , is the national team of Tunisia and is controlled by the F?d?ration Tunisienne de Football....
. Spain won their opening game over Ukraine in a comfortable 4-0 result, with two goals from David Villa
David Villa

David Villa S?nchez , nicknamed El Guaje is a Spain association football, who currently plays as a striker for Valencia CF and Spain national football team....
 and one each for Fernando Torres
Fernando Torres

Fernando Jos? Torres Sanz is a Spanish Association football who plays for Premier League club Liverpool F.C. and the Spain national football team as a forward ....
 and Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso

Xabier Alonso Olano, commonly known as Xabi Alonso ; born 25 November 1981) is a Spanish Association football who plays for English Premier League club Liverpool F.C....
. The first penalty of the tournament was awarded after Vladislav Vaschuk was sent off for pulling on Torres. Spain won their second game against Tunisia 3-1. A goal in the 8th minute through Jawhar Mnari put Tunisia ahead, but Spain scored through Raúl
Raúl González

Ra?l Gonz?lez Blanco , usually known simply as Ra?l, is a Spanish Association football striker who plays for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid C.F.....
 in the 71st min and Fernando Torres in the 76th min. Fernando Torres scored from the penalty spot in injury time to get his second goal in the game. Spain beat Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia national football team

The Saudi Arabia national football team is the national team of Saudi Arabia and is controlled by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation. Considered one of Asia's most successful national teams, Saudi Arabia has won the Asian Cup three times and qualified for the Football World Cup four consecutive times ever since debuting at the Football W...
 by 1-0 in Kaiserslautern
Kaiserslautern

is a city in southwest Germany, located in the States of Germany of Rhineland-Palatinate at the edge of the Palatinate forest . The historic centre dates to the 9th century and is within easy reach of Paris and Luxembourg ....
 on the 23 June. However Spain fell 3-1 in the second round by the more experienced France
France national football team

The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football . It is fielded by the French Football Federation and competes as a member of UEFA....
 team, despite having led the game 1-0 after a penalty kick scored by David Villa
David Villa

David Villa S?nchez , nicknamed El Guaje is a Spain association football, who currently plays as a striker for Valencia CF and Spain national football team....
. Spanish fans once again faced a premature exit and a performance below expectations. Spain and Brazil
Brazil national football team

The Brazil national football team is the national team of Brazil and is managed by the Brazilian Football Confederation that represents Brazil in international football competitions....
 shared the 2006 FIFA Fair Play Award.

Spain qualified for Euro 2008 at the top of Qualifying Group F with 28 points out of a possible 36, and were seeded
UEFA Euro 2008 seeding

This article gives information about the 'Single-elimination tournament#Seeding' for UEFA Euro 2008. Each team is given a coefficient based on their average points per game in the qualifying phases of the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification and UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying and this is used to calculate the seeding for the UEFA Euro 2008 tournament...
 12th for the actual competition. They were drawn in Group D
UEFA Euro 2008 Group D

Group D of the 2008 UEFA European Championships is one of four groups of competing nations at UEFA Euro 2008. The first round of matches were played on 10 June, with the final round scheduled for 18 June....
, with Sweden
Sweden national football team

The Swedish national football team is the national football team of Sweden and is controlled by the Swedish Football Association.History...
, Russia
Russia national football team

The Russia national football team is the national football team of Russia controlled by the Football Union of Russia and affiliated with UEFA....
 and the reigning champions Greece
Greece national football team

The Greece national football team is the national Association football team of Greece and is controlled by the Hellenic Football Federation....
. Spain won all of their group games and finished top of their group, with David Villa
David Villa

David Villa S?nchez , nicknamed El Guaje is a Spain association football, who currently plays as a striker for Valencia CF and Spain national football team....
 scoring the only hat-trick
Hat-trick

A hat-trick in sports is associated with succeeding at anything three times in three consecutive attempts. In North America it is often rendered as hat trick, with no hyphen....
 of the competition in the 4–1 defeat of Russia. Afer beating Sweden 2-1 (with Villa scoring the winner in injury time), the game against Greece became a formality and Spain won 2-1 using their reserves (10 of their starting 11 were not part of the usual first team).

Reigning World Cup holders Italy
Italy national football team

The Italian national football team is controlled by the Italian Football Federation and represents Italy in international Football competition....
 were the opponents in the quarter final match and held Spain to a finished 0–0 draw resulting in a penalty shoot-out. Iker Casillas
Íker Casillas

Iker Casillas Fern?ndez ; is a Spain association football Goalkeeper who plays for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid C.F. and the Spain national football team....
 saved two penalties as Spain won the shoot-out 4–2, Cesc Fabregas
Cesc Fàbregas

Francesc "Cesc" F?bregas Soler is a Spain midfielder who captains the English Premier League club Arsenal F.C. and plays for the Spain national football team....
 scoring the winning penalty. This was the first time that Spain had beaten Italy in a competitive match since 1920, and also broke Spain's record of losing penalty shoot-outs on 22 June - previous losses were against Belgium
Belgium national football team

The Belgium national football team is the national football team of Belgium and is controlled by the Belgian Football Association....
 in the 1986 World Cup
1986 FIFA World Cup

The 1986 FIFA World Cup, the 13th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in Mexico from 31 May to 29 June. It was won by Argentina national football team , who beat Germany national football team 3-2 in the final at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca....
, England
England national football team

The English national football team represents England in international Association football and is controlled by The Football Association, the governing body for football in England....
 in Euro '96, and South Korea
Korea Republic national football team

The Korea Republic national football team represents South Korea in international Football competitions. The team, also known as South Korea, is recognized as Korea Republic by FIFA....
 in the 2002 World Cup
2002 FIFA World Cup

The 2002 FIFA World Cup, the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. The two countries were chosen as FIFA World Cup hosts#2002 FIFA World Cup by FIFA in May 1996 and was the first tournament in its history to be hosted by two countries....
.

Spain met Russia again in the semi-final, once again beating them, this time by 3-0. In the final
UEFA Euro 2008 Final

The final of UEFA Euro 2008 was a association football match played on 29 June 2008 at the Ernst Happel Stadion in Vienna, Austria to determine the winner of UEFA Euro 2008....
, played in Vienna
Vienna

Vienna is the Capital of Republic of Austria and also one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primary city, with a population of about 1.7 million...
's Ernst-Happel-Stadion, Spain were up against three-times champions Germany
Germany national football team

The German national football team is the association football team representing the country of Germany in international competition since 1908....
. Spain won 1–0 with a goal scored by Fernando Torres
Fernando Torres

Fernando Jos? Torres Sanz is a Spanish Association football who plays for Premier League club Liverpool F.C. and the Spain national football team as a forward ....
 in the 33rd minute. This was Spain's first major title in 44 years since the 1964 European Championship. Spain's total of 12 goals in the tournament made them the top scoring team and striker
Striker

Forwards, also known as attackers and strikers, are the players on a team in association football who play nearest to the opposing team's goal, and are therefore principally responsible for scoring goals....
 David Villa
David Villa

David Villa S?nchez , nicknamed El Guaje is a Spain association football, who currently plays as a striker for Valencia CF and Spain national football team....
 finished as the top scorer with four goals. Xavi
Xavi

Xavier Hern?ndez Creus , commonly known as Xavi, is a Spanish Association football who plays as a Midfielder or Midfielder for FC Barcelona....
 was awarded the player of the tournament. Nine Spanish players were picked for the UEFA Euro 2008 Team of the Tournament, goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas
Íker Casillas

Iker Casillas Fern?ndez ; is a Spain association football Goalkeeper who plays for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid C.F. and the Spain national football team....
, defenders Carles Puyol
Carles Puyol

Carles Puyol i Saforcada is a Spain football Defender who plays for Spanish La Liga club FC Barcelona and the Spain national football team....
, Carlos Marchena, midfielders Xavi
Xavi

Xavier Hern?ndez Creus , commonly known as Xavi, is a Spanish Association football who plays as a Midfielder or Midfielder for FC Barcelona....
, Cesc Fabregas
Cesc Fàbregas

Francesc "Cesc" F?bregas Soler is a Spain midfielder who captains the English Premier League club Arsenal F.C. and plays for the Spain national football team....
, Andrés Iniesta
Andrés Iniesta

Andr?s Iniesta Luj?n is a Spanish people association football Midfielder playing for FC Barcelona. His willingness to play anywhere on the pitch, coupled with a natural humility, has earned him the sobriquet El Anti-Gal?ctico from the Catalan press....
, Marcos Senna
Marcos Senna

Marcos Antônio Senna da Silva is a Spain-Brazilian Association football player who plays as a midfielder for Villarreal CF and Spain. He is known for his passing range and long shooting ability and is also a penalty specialist....
  and strikers David Villa
David Villa

David Villa S?nchez , nicknamed El Guaje is a Spain association football, who currently plays as a striker for Valencia CF and Spain national football team....
 and Fernando Torres
Fernando Torres

Fernando Jos? Torres Sanz is a Spanish Association football who plays for Premier League club Liverpool F.C. and the Spain national football team as a forward ....
.

Spain ended the tournament as the only unbeaten team to win since Germany
Germany national football team

The German national football team is the association football team representing the country of Germany in international competition since 1908....
 in 1996 and the only group winner to advance beyond the quarterfinals in Euro 2008 as Portugal
Portugal national football team

The Portugal national football team is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation , finishing 4th at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The first appearance in the 1966 FIFA World cup saw them reach the semi final, losing 2-1 at Wembley Stadium to the eventual world champions England national football team....
, Croatia
Croatia national football team

The Croatia national football team represents the Republic of Croatia in international Association football . The team is controlled by the Croatian Football Federation, the governing body for football in the country, and has been managed since 2006 by Slaven Bilic....
, and the Netherlands
Netherlands national football team

The Netherlands national football team is the national Association football team of the Netherlands and is controlled by the Royal Netherlands Football Association....
 were all eliminated at that stage. Due to their highly impressive performance at the tournament, Spain was awarded the first place at the FIFA World Rankings
FIFA World Rankings

The FIFA World Rankings is a ranking system for men's national teams in Association football, currently led by Spain national football team. The teams of the List of men's national football teams of FIFA , football's world governing body, are ranked based on their game results with the most successful teams being ranked highest....
 for the first time in their history on July 1, 2008, just two days after being crowned European Champions for the second time. They became only the sixth team to share this privilege along with Argentina
Argentina national football team

The Argentina national football team is the national football team of Argentina and is controlled by the Asociaci?n del F?tbol Argentino . Argentina has the world record for most international titles won by any national team....
, Brazil
Brazil national football team

The Brazil national football team is the national team of Brazil and is managed by the Brazilian Football Confederation that represents Brazil in international football competitions....
, France
France national football team

The France national football team represents the nation of France in international football . It is fielded by the French Football Federation and competes as a member of UEFA....
, Germany
Germany national football team

The German national football team is the association football team representing the country of Germany in international competition since 1908....
, and Italy
Italy national football team

The Italian national football team is controlled by the Italian Football Federation and represents Italy in international Football competition....
 and also the first team never to have won a World Cup to achieve this.

Luis Aragonés
Luis Aragonés

Jos? Luis Aragon?s Su?rez , sometimes referred to as simply Luis, is a former Spain footballer and national coach, and currently the coach of Fenerbah?e S.K....
 became the oldest coach to win a European Championship and the second to win one with Spain after José Villalonga
José Villalonga

Jos? Villalonga may refer to:*Jos? Villalonga Llorente , Spanish football manager and coach*Jos? Luis de Villalonga , Spanish actor and aristocrat...
 won it in 1964 on home soil. 27-year-old Iker Casillas
Íker Casillas

Iker Casillas Fern?ndez ; is a Spain association football Goalkeeper who plays for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid C.F. and the Spain national football team....
 became the first goalkeeper-captain to lift up the trophy. Aragonés also enjoys the distinction of having led Spain to the most victories, a record previously held by Javier Clemente
Javier Clemente

Javier Clemente L?zaro is a Spain football manager. The veteran La Liga manager has spent most of his career at two clubs, Athletic Bilbao and RCD Espanyol....
. Aragonés has won 38, drawn 12, and lost only 4 out of 54 matches in charge, compared to 36 victories, 20 draws, and 6 defeats by Clemente.

2010 FIFA World Cup qualification

On March 11, 2008, Vicente Del Bosque
Vicente Del Bosque

Vicente del Bosque Gonz?lez is a retired Spanish Association football Midfielder#Defensive midfielder and now a Coach . He is currently the manager of the Spain national football team, taking over from Luis Aragones following Spain's title success at UEFA Euro 2008....
 announced that starting June 29, he would replace Luis Aragonés who left the job due that he did not feel the Spanish Football Federation wanted him to continue. It took until 15 July, 2008 for Del Bosque to be officially confirmed as the new coach. For the friendly against Denmark on 20 August 2008, the Spanish Football Federation asked Del Bosque to call up the same 23 players
UEFA Euro 2008 squads

The following is a list of squads for each nation competing at UEFA Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland. The tournament started on 7 June and the UEFA Euro 2008 Final took place in Vienna on 29 June 2008....
 who were chosen to represent Spain at Euro 2008 as a tribute to their success, however, due to injuries suffered by Andrés Palop
Andrés Palop

Andr?s Palop Cervera is a Spain Goalkeeper who was the third-choice goalkeeper at Euro 2008....
, Cesc Fàbregas
Cesc Fàbregas

Francesc "Cesc" F?bregas Soler is a Spain midfielder who captains the English Premier League club Arsenal F.C. and plays for the Spain national football team....
 and Carlos Marchena, they could not be selected, Del Bosque chose to bring only two goalkeepers and replaced Marchena with Fernando Amorebieta
Fernando Amorebieta

Fernando Amorebieta Mardaras is a Venezuela Spain Football , currently for Athletic Bilbao as a Defender .Amorebieta met Athletic de Bilbao's eligibility standards, having been raised in the region, and through his parents, both of whom are from the Basque Country ....
, Cesc Fàbregas
Cesc Fàbregas

Francesc "Cesc" F?bregas Soler is a Spain midfielder who captains the English Premier League club Arsenal F.C. and plays for the Spain national football team....
 with Diego Capel
Diego Capel

Diego Capel Trinidad is a Spain Football who currently plays for Sevilla FC of the La Liga, as a Winger . His main traits are pace, acceleration and on-the-ball skills....
 and also decided to replace Álvaro Arbeloa with Andoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola

Andoni Iraola Sagarna is a Spain Football , currently with Athletic Bilbao in the La Liga, as a combative and offensive defender or midfielder, operating on the right flank, with good passing skills....
 and Sergio García
Sergio García de la Fuente

Sergio Garc?a de la Fuente is a Spain football who currently plays as Winger or striker for Real Betis....
 with Bojan Krkic
Bojan Krkic

Bojan Krkic or simply Bojan , is a Spanish association football who plays for FC Barcelona....
 due to technical reasons. Spain won the match 3-0.

Spain under Del Bosque began their 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualification campaign successfully, they defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team

The Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team is the national football team of Bosnia and Herzegovina and is controlled by the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina....
 1-0 with a goal from David Villa
David Villa

David Villa S?nchez , nicknamed El Guaje is a Spain association football, who currently plays as a striker for Valencia CF and Spain national football team....
 and defeated Armenia
Armenia national football team

The Armenia national football team is the national football team of Armenia and is controlled by the Football Federation of Armenia. After the split of the Soviet Union, the team played its first international match against Moldova national football team on October 12, 1992....
 4-0, three days later, with a notable debut from Bojan Krkic
Bojan Krkic

Bojan Krkic or simply Bojan , is a Spanish association football who plays for FC Barcelona....
 coming on as a substitute and defeating rumours that he will swap allegiances to Serbia
Serbia national football team

The Serbia national football team represents Serbia in international Football competitions and is controlled by the Football Association of Serbia....
, and two goals coming from David Villa
David Villa

David Villa S?nchez , nicknamed El Guaje is a Spain association football, who currently plays as a striker for Valencia CF and Spain national football team....
, and one each from Joan Capdevila
Joan Capdevila

Joan Capdevila M?ndez is a Spain Association football who plays for Spain national football team and Villarreal CF. His usual position is Wingback, but he is also capable of operating as a Winger ....
 and Marcos Senna
Marcos Senna

Marcos Antônio Senna da Silva is a Spain-Brazilian Association football player who plays as a midfielder for Villarreal CF and Spain. He is known for his passing range and long shooting ability and is also a penalty specialist....
. The next round saw Spain defeat Estonia
Estonia national football team

The Estonia national football team is controlled by the Estonian Football Association. They played their first match in 1920. In 1940 Estonia was occupied by the Soviet Union and did not regain independence until 1991....
 3-0 , then, four days later, beat Belgium
Belgium national football team

The Belgium national football team is the national football team of Belgium and is controlled by the Belgian Football Association....
 2-1 away - an 88th minute strike from David Villa
David Villa

David Villa S?nchez , nicknamed El Guaje is a Spain association football, who currently plays as a striker for Valencia CF and Spain national football team....
  earning them the win. This result maintained their 100% start to the qualifying campaign; they currently top their group with 12 points from 4 games.

Spain ended the year having won 15 games out of the 16 they played and having drawn 1 game (against Italy
Italy national football team

The Italian national football team is controlled by the Italian Football Federation and represents Italy in international Football competition....
 which they subsequently won on penalties).

That same year saw David Villa
David Villa

David Villa S?nchez , nicknamed El Guaje is a Spain association football, who currently plays as a striker for Valencia CF and Spain national football team....
 scoring 12 goals in 15 games thus breaking the Spanish record of 10 goals in one year held by Raúl González
Raúl González

Ra?l Gonz?lez Blanco , usually known simply as Ra?l, is a Spanish Association football striker who plays for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid C.F.....
 since 1999. On February 11, 2009, David Villa broke another Spanish record against England
England national football team

The English national football team represents England in international Association football and is controlled by The Football Association, the governing body for football in England....
, his 36' minute goal saw him become the first Spanish to player to have scored in six consecutive games.

Competitive record


World Cup
FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup, occasionally called the Football World Cup, but usually referred to simply as the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the List of men's national association football teams of the members of F?d?ration Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global govern...
 record

Host nation(s) / YearRoundPositionGPWD*LGSGA
1930
1930 FIFA World Cup

The 1930 FIFA World Cup was the first FIFA World Cup, the world championship for international association football teams. It was played in Uruguay from 13 July to 30 July....
Did Not Enter
1934
1934 FIFA World Cup

The 1934 FIFA World Cup, or the World's Cup as it was known then, was the second football World Cup staged, and hosted by Italy from 27 May to 10 June....
Quarter-final5311143
1938
1938 FIFA World Cup

The 1938 FIFA World Cup was the third staging of the World Cup, and was held in France from 4 June to 19 June. France was chosen as FIFA World Cup hosts#1938 FIFA World Cup by FIFA in August 1936....
Did Not Enter
1950
1950 FIFA World Cup

The 1950 FIFA World Cup, held in Brazil from 24 June to 16 July, was the fourth staging of the World Cup, and the first staged in 12 years due to World War II....
Fourth Place463121012
1954
1954 FIFA World Cup

The 1954 FIFA World Cup, the fifth staging of the World Cup, was held in Switzerland from 16 June to 4 July. As the year saw the 50th anniversary of FIFA, it was appropriate for football's premier competition to be played in the home of its governing body, and Switzerland was chosen as FIFA World Cup hosts#1954 FIFA World Cup in July 1946....
Did Not Qualify
1958
1958 FIFA World Cup

The 1958 FIFA World Cup, the sixth staging of the World Cup, was hosted by Sweden from 8 June to 29 June. Sweden was chosen as FIFA World Cup hosts#1958 FIFA World Cup by FIFA in June 1950....
Did Not Qualify
1962
1962 FIFA World Cup

The 1962 FIFA World Cup, the seventh staging of the World Cup, was held in Chile from 30 May to 17 June. Chile was chosen as FIFA World Cup hosts#1962 FIFA World Cup by FIFA in June 1956, as the World Cup returned to the continent of South America after 12 years....
Round 112310223
1966
1966 FIFA World Cup

The 1966 FIFA World Cup, the eighth staging of the World Cup, was held in England from 11 July to 30 July. England was chosen as FIFA World Cup hosts#1966 FIFA World Cup by FIFA in August 1960 to celebrate the centenary of the The Football Association in England....
Round 110310245
1970
1970 FIFA World Cup

The 1970 FIFA World Cup, the ninth staging of the World Cup, was held in Mexico, from 31 May to 21 June. Mexico was chosen as FIFA World Cup hosts#1970 FIFA World Cup by FIFA in October 1964....
Did Not Qualify
1974
1974 FIFA World Cup

The 1974 FIFA World Cup, the tenth staging of the World Cup, was held in West Germany from 13 June to 7 July. West Germany had been chosen in July 1966 as FIFA World Cup hosts#1974, 1978, 1982 FIFA World Cups by FIFA....
Did Not Qualify
1978
1978 FIFA World Cup

The 1978 FIFA World Cup, the 11th staging of the World Cup, was held in Argentina between 1 June and 25 June. Argentina was chosen as FIFA World Cup hosts#1974, 1978, 1982 FIFA World Cups by FIFA in July 1966....
Round 110311122
1982
1982 FIFA World Cup

The 1982 FIFA World Cup, the 12th FIFA World Cup, was held in Spain from 13 June to 11 July. Spain was chosen as FIFA World Cup hosts#1974, 1978, 1982 FIFA World Cups by FIFA in July 1966....
Round 212512245
1986
1986 FIFA World Cup

The 1986 FIFA World Cup, the 13th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in Mexico from 31 May to 29 June. It was won by Argentina national football team , who beat Germany national football team 3-2 in the final at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca....
Quarter-final75311114
1990
1990 FIFA World Cup

The 1990 FIFA World Cup, the 14th staging of the World Cup, was held in Italy from 8 June to 8 July. Italy was chosen as FIFA World Cup hosts#1990 FIFA World Cup by FIFA on 19 May 1984, making it the second country to host the event twice....
Round of 1610421164
1994
1994 FIFA World Cup

The 1994 FIFA World Cup, the 15th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in the United States from 17 June to 17 July 1994. The United States was chosen as FIFA World Cup hosts#1994 FIFA World Cup by FIFA in July 1988....
Quarter-final85221106
1998
1998 FIFA World Cup

The 1998 FIFA World Cup, the 16th FIFA World Cup, was held in France from 10 June to 12 July 1998. France was chosen as FIFA World Cup hosts#1998 FIFA World Cup by FIFA on 1 July 1992....
Round 117311184
2002
2002 FIFA World Cup

The 2002 FIFA World Cup, the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. The two countries were chosen as FIFA World Cup hosts#2002 FIFA World Cup by FIFA in May 1996 and was the first tournament in its history to be hosted by two countries....
Quarter-final55320105
2006
2006 FIFA World Cup

The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th instance of the FIFA World Cup, the Anniversary#Latin-derived numerical names international football world championship tournament....
Round of 169430194
2010
2010 FIFA World Cup

The 2010 FIFA World Cup will be the 19th FIFA World Cup, an international tournament for Association football, that is scheduled to take place between 11 June and 11 July 2010 in South Africa....
Qualifying in progress
Total12/18
492212158057


*Denotes draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks
Penalty shootout (football)

Penalty shootouts, properly named kicks from the penalty mark, are a method sometimes used to decide which team progresses to the next stage of a tournament following a draw in a game of association football....
.
**Gold background color indicates that the tournament was won. Red border color indicates tournament was held on home soil.


Confederations Cup
FIFA Confederations Cup

The FIFA Confederations Cup is an association football tournament for national teams, currently held every four years by FIFA. It is contested by the winners of each of the six FIFA confederation championships , along with the FIFA World Cup winner and the host country, to bring the number of teams up to eight....
 record

Host nation(s) / YearResultGPWD*LGSGA
1992
1992 King Fahd Cup

The 1992 King Fahd Cup tournament, the first FIFA Confederations Cup, was hosted by Saudi Arabia in October 1992. It was won by Argentina national football team, who beat Saudi Arabia national football team 3?1 in the final....
 - 2005
2005 FIFA Confederations Cup

The 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup association football tournament was the seventh FIFA Confederations Cup. It was held in Germany between 15 June and 29 June 2005....
Did not qualify
2009
2009 FIFA Confederations Cup

The 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup will be the eighth FIFA Confederations Cup, and will be held in South Africa from 14 June to 28 June 2009, as a prelude to the 2010 FIFA World Cup....
Qualified
Total1/8


*Denotes draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks
Penalty shootout (football)

Penalty shootouts, properly named kicks from the penalty mark, are a method sometimes used to decide which team progresses to the next stage of a tournament following a draw in a game of association football....
.
**Gold background color indicates that the tournament was won. Red border color indicates tournament was held on home soil.


Head to head


Recent and forthcoming matches


FIFA World Cup qualification
FIFA World Cup qualification

FIFA World Cup qualification is the process a national football team goes through to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Finals, or, more commonly known as the FIFA World Cup....

Friendly matches



Players


Current squad

Caps and goals are correct as of 11 February 2009.

The following players are the 21-man squad who were called up for the friendly match against England
England national football team

The English national football team represents England in international Association football and is controlled by The Football Association, the governing body for football in England....
 on February 11 2009.

#NameDOBClubCaps (goals)Debut
Goalkeepers
1 Iker Casillas
Íker Casillas

Iker Casillas Fern?ndez ; is a Spain association football Goalkeeper who plays for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid C.F. and the Spain national football team....
 (captain
Captain (football)

The team captain of a football team, sometimes known as the skipper, is a team member chosen to be the on-pitch leader of the team: it is often one of the older or more experienced members of the squad, or a player that can heavily influence a game....
) 		89 (0) v Sweden
Sweden national football team

The Swedish national football team is the national football team of Sweden and is controlled by the Swedish Football Association.History...
, 3 June 2000
25 José Manuel Reina Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.

Liverpool Football Club is a professional association football club based in Liverpool, England. The club plays in the Premier League, and it is the Football records in England#Most successful clubs overall in the history of Football in England; the club has won List of football clubs in England by major honours won than any other English cl...
 		 13 (0) v Uruguay
Uruguay national football team

The Uruguay national football team is controlled by the Asociaci?n Uruguaya de F?tbol.Uruguay is one of the most successful national football teams in the world....
, 17 August 2005
Defenders
2 Raúl Albiol
Raúl Albiol

Ra?l Albiol Tortajada is a Spain footballer who plays as a central defender/defensive midfielder for Valencia CF....
 		Valencia
Valencia CF

Valencia Club de F?tbol is a Spain professional Association football football team based in Valencia, Spain. They play in La Liga and are one of the most successful and biggest clubs in Football in Spain....
 		 11 (0) v Denmark
Denmark national football team

The Denmark national football team is controlled by the Danish Football Association and has represented the country of Denmark in international football competitions since 1908....
, 13 October 2007
3 Gerard Piqué
Gerard Piqué

Gerard Piqu? Bernabeu is a Spanish people association football playing for Football in Spain club FC Barcelona, mainly as a Defender #Centre back....
 		Barcelona
FC Barcelona

Futbol Club Barcelona , also known simply as Barcelona and familiarly as Bar?a , is a sports club based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
 		 1 (0) v England
England national football team

The English national football team represents England in international Association football and is controlled by The Football Association, the governing body for football in England....
, February 11, 2009
4 Carlos Marchena Valencia
Valencia CF

Valencia Club de F?tbol is a Spain professional Association football football team based in Valencia, Spain. They play in La Liga and are one of the most successful and biggest clubs in Football in Spain....
 		 49 (2) v Hungary
Hungary national football team

The Hungary national football team represents Hungary in international Football and is controlled by the Hungarian Football Federation. It has a rich and proud pedigree in the game and a rightful place in football annals as one of the first original footballing nations in continental Europe and an innovator in the sport in the 1950s....
, August 21, 2002
11 Joan Capdevila
Joan Capdevila

Joan Capdevila M?ndez is a Spain Association football who plays for Spain national football team and Villarreal CF. His usual position is Wingback, but he is also capable of operating as a Winger ....
 		Villarreal
Villarreal CF

Villarreal Club de F?tbol, usually abbreviated to Villarreal, is a Spain La Liga football club based in Villarreal, a small town in the province of Castell?n ....
 		 30 (4) v Paraguay
Paraguay national football team

The Paraguay national football team is the national team of Paraguay and is controlled by the Asociaci?n Paraguaya de F?tbol.The Paraguay national football team has reached the second round of the Football World Cup on three occasions but has never advanced beyond that stage....
, 16 October 2002
15 Sergio Ramos
Sérgio Ramos

S?rgio Bruno Antunes Selores Ramos is a Portuguese people basketball player.He measures 2.00 metres and plays as a forward-center. He announced the end of his international career, after Portugal national basketball team's exit from the EuroBasket 2007....
 		Real Madrid
Real Madrid

Real Madrid Club de F?tbol is a professional association football club based in Madrid, Spain. It is the Football records in Spain in Football in Spain and was voted by FIFA as the most successful club of the 20th century, having won a record thirty-one La Liga titles, seventeen Copa del Rey, a record nine UEFA Champions League and two UEFA...
 		 46 (4) v China
China national football team

The China national football team is the national Association football team of People's Republic of China and is governed by the Chinese Football Association ....
, 26 March 2005
20 Juanito Gutiérrez Real Betis
Real Betis

Real Betis Balompi? is a Spanish football club in Seville founded in 1907. The team currently plays in La Liga. Its home stadium is the 52,700-seat Estadio Manuel Ruiz de Lopera and its home colours are green and white....
 		 25 (3) v Hungary
Hungary national football team

The Hungary national football team represents Hungary in international Football and is controlled by the Hungarian Football Federation. It has a rich and proud pedigree in the game and a rightful place in football annals as one of the first original footballing nations in continental Europe and an innovator in the sport in the 1950s....
, 21 August 2002
23 Álvaro Arbeloa Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.

Liverpool Football Club is a professional association football club based in Liverpool, England. The club plays in the Premier League, and it is the Football records in England#Most successful clubs overall in the history of Football in England; the club has won List of football clubs in England by major honours won than any other English cl...
 		 5 (0) v Italy
Italy national football team

The Italian national football team is controlled by the Italian Football Federation and represents Italy in international Football competition....
, 26 March 2008
Midfielders
5 Sergi Busquets
Sergi Busquets

Sergio 'Sergi' Busquets Burgos is a Spanish people football , currently playing for FC Barcelona in the defensive midfielder position. He is the son of another club former player, Carles Busquets, who played goalkeeper during the 1990s....
 		Barcelona
FC Barcelona

Futbol Club Barcelona , also known simply as Barcelona and familiarly as Bar?a , is a sports club based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
 		 0 (0) N/A
6 Andrés Iniesta
Andrés Iniesta

Andr?s Iniesta Luj?n is a Spanish people association football Midfielder playing for FC Barcelona. His willingness to play anywhere on the pitch, coupled with a natural humility, has earned him the sobriquet El Anti-Gal?ctico from the Catalan press....
 		Barcelona
FC Barcelona

Futbol Club Barcelona , also known simply as Barcelona and familiarly as Bar?a , is a sports club based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
 		 35 (6) v Romania
Romania national football team

The Romania national football team is the national football team of Romania and is controlled by the Romanian Football Federation.Romania is one of only four national teams, the other three being Brazil national football team, France national football team, and Belgium national football team, that took part in the first three FIFA World Cu...
, 27 May 2006
8 Xavi Barcelona
FC Barcelona

Futbol Club Barcelona , also known simply as Barcelona and familiarly as Bar?a , is a sports club based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
 		 69 (8) v Netherlands
Netherlands national football team

The Netherlands national football team is the national Association football team of the Netherlands and is controlled by the Royal Netherlands Football Association....
, 15 November 2000
10 Albert Riera
Albert Riera

Albert Riera Ortega is a Spain association football who plays for Premier League side Liverpool F.C. as a Midfielder#Winger.Club career...
 		Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.

Liverpool Football Club is a professional association football club based in Liverpool, England. The club plays in the Premier League, and it is the Football records in England#Most successful clubs overall in the history of Football in England; the club has won List of football clubs in England by major honours won than any other English cl...
 		 7 (1) v Denmark
Denmark national football team

The Denmark national football team is controlled by the Danish Football Association and has represented the country of Denmark in international football competitions since 1908....
, 13 October 2007
14 Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso

Xabier Alonso Olano, commonly known as Xabi Alonso ; born 25 November 1981) is a Spanish Association football who plays for English Premier League club Liverpool F.C....
 		Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.

Liverpool Football Club is a professional association football club based in Liverpool, England. The club plays in the Premier League, and it is the Football records in England#Most successful clubs overall in the history of Football in England; the club has won List of football clubs in England by major honours won than any other English cl...
 		 54 (3) v Ecuador
Ecuador national football team

The Ecuadorian national football team is controlled by the Federaci?n Ecuatoriana de F?tbol and represents Ecuador in international football competitions....
, 30 April 2003
18 Santi Cazorla
Santi Cazorla

Santiago 'Santi' Cazorla Gonz?lez , is a Spain football attacking midfielder or midfielder for Villarreal CF. He can play on either flank and is Ambidexterity....
 		Villarreal
Villarreal CF

Villarreal Club de F?tbol, usually abbreviated to Villarreal, is a Spain La Liga football club based in Villarreal, a small town in the province of Castell?n ....
 		 13 (1) v Peru
Peru national football team

The Peru national football team is controlled by the Federaci?n Peruana de F?tbol and represents Peru in international football competitions. Created in 1927, the team competes with nine other teams in the CONMEBOL conference within FIFA....
, 31 May 2008
19 Marcos Senna
Marcos Senna

Marcos Antônio Senna da Silva is a Spain-Brazilian Association football player who plays as a midfielder for Villarreal CF and Spain. He is known for his passing range and long shooting ability and is also a penalty specialist....
Villarreal
Villarreal CF

Villarreal Club de F?tbol, usually abbreviated to Villarreal, is a Spain La Liga football club based in Villarreal, a small town in the province of Castell?n ....
 		 22 (1) v Côte d'Ivoire
Côte d'Ivoire national football team

The C?te d'Ivoire national football team , nicknamed Les ?l?phants , is the national team of C?te d'Ivoire and is controlled by the F?d?ration Ivoirienne de Football....
, 1 March 2006
21 David Silva
David Silva

David Josu? Jim?nez Silva is a Spain association football who plays as an Midfielder for Valencia CF and the Spain national football team.A versatile and skilled player, Silva is capable of playing on either side of midfield, or as a traditional playmaker....
 		Valencia
Valencia CF

Valencia Club de F?tbol is a Spain professional Association football football team based in Valencia, Spain. They play in La Liga and are one of the most successful and biggest clubs in Football in Spain....
 		 21 (3) v Romania
Romania national football team

The Romania national football team is the national football team of Romania and is controlled by the Romanian Football Federation.Romania is one of only four national teams, the other three being Brazil national football team, France national football team, and Belgium national football team, that took part in the first three FIFA World Cu...
, 15 November 2006
Strikers
7 David Villa
David Villa

David Villa S?nchez , nicknamed El Guaje is a Spain association football, who currently plays as a striker for Valencia CF and Spain national football team....
 		Valencia
Valencia CF

Valencia Club de F?tbol is a Spain professional Association football football team based in Valencia, Spain. They play in La Liga and are one of the most successful and biggest clubs in Football in Spain....
 		 42 (25) v San Marino
San Marino national football team

The San Marino national football team is the national football team of San Marino, controlled by the San Marino Football Federation. The team has enjoyed very little success, due to the republic's tiny population, the smallest of any UEFA country....
, 9 February 2005
9 Fernando Torres
Fernando Torres

Fernando Jos? Torres Sanz is a Spanish Association football who plays for Premier League club Liverpool F.C. and the Spain national football team as a forward ....
 		Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.

Liverpool Football Club is a professional association football club based in Liverpool, England. The club plays in the Premier League, and it is the Football records in England#Most successful clubs overall in the history of Football in England; the club has won List of football clubs in England by major honours won than any other English cl...
 		 59 (18) v Portugal
Portugal national football team

The Portugal national football team is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation , finishing 4th at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The first appearance in the 1966 FIFA World cup saw them reach the semi final, losing 2-1 at Wembley Stadium to the eventual world champions England national football team....
, 6 September 2003
16 Fernando Llorente Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Club is a Spanish Basque football club from Bilbao in Biscay, Basque Country , Spain. The club has played in the Primera Divisi?n of La Liga since its start in 1928....
 		 2 (1) v Chile
Chile national football team

The Chilean national football team represents Chile in all major international football competitions. The team is controlled by the Federaci?n de F?tbol de Chile which was established in 1895....
, 19 November 2008
17 Dani Güiza 13 (2) v Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland national football team

The Northern Ireland national football team represents Northern Ireland in international football . In such events, the individual countries of the United Kingdom compete separately, but do not participate in the Olympic Games....
, 8 November 2007


Recent call ups

The following players have been called up for the team within the last 12 months.

#NameDOBClubCaps (goals)DebutMost Recent Call up
Goalkeepers
13 Andrés Palop
Andrés Palop

Andr?s Palop Cervera is a Spain Goalkeeper who was the third-choice goalkeeper at Euro 2008....
 		Sevilla
Sevilla FC

Sevilla F?tbol Club is a Spain professional football club that plays in the top-flight Spanish La Liga championship. The club was established on October 14 1905, making it the oldest football club from Seville, and the second oldest from Andalusia....
 		 0 (0) N/A UEFA Euro 2008, 7 June 2008
Defenders
3 Mariano Pernía 11 (1) v Croatia
Croatia national football team

The Croatia national football team represents the Republic of Croatia in international Association football . The team is controlled by the Croatian Football Federation, the governing body for football in the country, and has been managed since 2006 by Slaven Bilic....
, June 7 2006 		Euro 2008 Provisional Squad
3 Fernando Navarro
Fernando Navarro

Fernando Navarro Corbacho is a Spain football defender for Sevilla FC, preferably a left back, but able to fill in any defensive spot....
 		Sevilla
Sevilla FC

Sevilla F?tbol Club is a Spain professional football club that plays in the top-flight Spanish La Liga championship. The club was established on October 14 1905, making it the oldest football club from Seville, and the second oldest from Andalusia....
 		 2 (0) v Peru
Peru national football team

The Peru national football team is controlled by the Federaci?n Peruana de F?tbol and represents Peru in international football competitions. Created in 1927, the team competes with nine other teams in the CONMEBOL conference within FIFA....
, 31 May 2008 		v Belgium
Belgium national football team

The Belgium national football team is the national football team of Belgium and is controlled by the Belgian Football Association....
, 15 October 2008
5 Carles Puyol
Carles Puyol

Carles Puyol i Saforcada is a Spain football Defender who plays for Spanish La Liga club FC Barcelona and the Spain national football team....
 		 72 (2) v Netherlands
Netherlands national football team

The Netherlands national football team is the national Association football team of the Netherlands and is controlled by the Royal Netherlands Football Association....
, 15 November 2001 		v Chile
Chile national football team

The Chilean national football team represents Chile in all major international football competitions. The team is controlled by the Federaci?n de F?tbol de Chile which was established in 1895....
, 19 November 2008
12 Antonio López
Antonio López Guerrero

Antonio L?pez Guerrero is a Spain football who currently plays for Atl?tico Madrid of the La Liga. A left back, his main assets are a good defensive positioning and crossing ability....
 		 16 (1) v Serbia and Montenegro
Serbia national football team

The Serbia national football team represents Serbia in international Football competitions and is controlled by the Football Association of Serbia....
, March 30 2005 		Euro 2008 Provisional Squad
13 Andoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola

Andoni Iraola Sagarna is a Spain Football , currently with Athletic Bilbao in the La Liga, as a combative and offensive defender or midfielder, operating on the right flank, with good passing skills....
 		Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Club is a Spanish Basque football club from Bilbao in Biscay, Basque Country , Spain. The club has played in the Primera Divisi?n of La Liga since its start in 1928....
 		 2 (0) v Denmark
Denmark national football team

The Denmark national football team is controlled by the Danish Football Association and has represented the country of Denmark in international football competitions since 1908....
, 20 August 2008 		v Estonia
Estonia national football team

The Estonia national football team is controlled by the Estonian Football Association. They played their first match in 1920. In 1940 Estonia was occupied by the Soviet Union and did not regain independence until 1991....
, 11 October 2008
23 Fernando Amorebieta
Fernando Amorebieta

Fernando Amorebieta Mardaras is a Venezuela Spain Football , currently for Athletic Bilbao as a Defender .Amorebieta met Athletic de Bilbao's eligibility standards, having been raised in the region, and through his parents, both of whom are from the Basque Country ....
 		Athletic Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Club is a Spanish Basque football club from Bilbao in Biscay, Basque Country , Spain. The club has played in the Primera Divisi?n of La Liga since its start in 1928....
 		 0 (0) N/A v Denmark
Denmark national football team

The Denmark national football team is controlled by the Danish Football Association and has represented the country of Denmark in international football competitions since 1908....
, 20 August 2008
Midfielders
- Pablo Hernández
Pablo Hernández Domínguez

Pablo Hern?ndez Dom?nguez, Pablo or Hern?ndez , is a Spain footballer who currently plays for Valencia CF as a right midfielder/midfielder....
 		Valencia
Valencia CF

Valencia Club de F?tbol is a Spain professional Association football football team based in Valencia, Spain. They play in La Liga and are one of the most successful and biggest clubs in Football in Spain....
 		 0 (0) v N/A Euro 2008 Provisional Squad
6 David Albelda
David Albelda

David Albelda Aliqu?s is a Spain soccer, currently playing as a midfielder with Valencia CF.He is best known for his marking, tackling abilities, stamina and leadership skills, having captain the squad for over a decade....
 		Valencia
Valencia CF

Valencia Club de F?tbol is a Spain professional Association football football team based in Valencia, Spain. They play in La Liga and are one of the most successful and biggest clubs in Football in Spain....
 		 51 (0) v Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein national football team

The Liechtenstein national football team is the national football team of Liechtenstein and is controlled by the Liechtenstein Football Association....
, 5 September 2001 		Euro 2008 Provisional Squad
10 Cesc Fàbregas
Cesc Fàbregas

Francesc "Cesc" F?bregas Soler is a Spain midfielder who captains the English Premier League club Arsenal F.C. and plays for the Spain national football team....
 		 37 (1) v Côte d'Ivoire
Côte d'Ivoire national football team

The C?te d'Ivoire national football team , nicknamed Les ?l?phants , is the national team of C?te d'Ivoire and is controlled by the F?d?ration Ivoirienne de Football....
, 1 March 2006 		v Chile
Chile national football team

The Chilean national football team represents Chile in all major international football competitions. The team is controlled by the Federaci?n de F?tbol de Chile which was established in 1895....
, 19 November 2008
13 Juan Manuel Mata
Juan Manuel Mata

Juan Manuel Mata Garc?a is a Spain football , who currently plays for Valencia CF, mainly as a Midfielder.A clever player with pace, intelligence and off-the-ball movements, he also possesses netting ability....
 		Valencia
Valencia CF

Valencia Club de F?tbol is a Spain professional Association football football team based in Valencia, Spain. They play in La Liga and are one of the most successful and biggest clubs in Football in Spain....
 		 0 (0) N/A v Chile
Chile national football team

The Chilean national football team represents Chile in all major international football competitions. The team is controlled by the Federaci?n de F?tbol de Chile which was established in 1895....
, 19 November 2008
17 Joaquín Valencia
Valencia CF

Valencia Club de F?tbol is a Spain professional Association football football team based in Valencia, Spain. They play in La Liga and are one of the most successful and biggest clubs in Football in Spain....
 		 51 (4) v Portugal
Portugal national football team

The Portugal national football team is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation , finishing 4th at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The first appearance in the 1966 FIFA World cup saw them reach the semi final, losing 2-1 at Wembley Stadium to the eventual world champions England national football team....
, February 13 2002 		Euro 2008 Provisional Squad
19 Diego Capel
Diego Capel

Diego Capel Trinidad is a Spain Football who currently plays for Sevilla FC of the La Liga, as a Winger . His main traits are pace, acceleration and on-the-ball skills....
 		Sevilla
Sevilla FC

Sevilla F?tbol Club is a Spain professional football club that plays in the top-flight Spanish La Liga championship. The club was established on October 14 1905, making it the oldest football club from Seville, and the second oldest from Andalusia....
 		 2 (0) v Denmark
Denmark national football team

The Denmark national football team is controlled by the Danish Football Association and has represented the country of Denmark in international football competitions since 1908....
, 20 August 2008 		v Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team

The Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team is the national football team of Bosnia and Herzegovina and is controlled by the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina....
, 6 September, 2008
22 Rubén de la Red
Rubén De la Red

Rub?n de la Red Guti?rrez , is a Spain association football midfielder who plays for Real Madrid C.F.....
 		 3 (1) v Peru
Peru national football team

The Peru national football team is controlled by the Federaci?n Peruana de F?tbol and represents Peru in international football competitions. Created in 1927, the team competes with nine other teams in the CONMEBOL conference within FIFA....
, 31 May 2008 		v Denmark
Denmark national football team

The Denmark national football team is controlled by the Danish Football Association and has represented the country of Denmark in international football competitions since 1908....
, 20 August 2008
Strikers
10 Luis García
Luis García Fernández

Luis Garc?a Fern?ndez is a Spain Soccer who currently plays for RCD Espanyol, mainly as a striker ....
 		Espanyol
RCD Espanyol

RCD Espanyol de Barcelona is a sports club based in Barcelona. It is best known for its football team. Espanyol currently play in the Estadi Ol?mpic Llu?s Companys, which also hosted the 1992 Summer Olympics; having previously played at Estadi de Sarri?....
 		 7 (0) v Latvia
Latvia national football team

The Latvian national football team is controlled by the Latvian Football Federation, the governing body for football in Latvia and represents the country in international soccer competitions, such as Football World Cup and the European Football Championship....
, June 2 2007 		Euro 2008 Provisional Squad
13 Bojan Krkic
Bojan Krkic

Bojan Krkic or simply Bojan , is a Spanish association football who plays for FC Barcelona....
Barcelona
FC Barcelona

Futbol Club Barcelona , also known simply as Barcelona and familiarly as Bar?a , is a sports club based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain....
 		 1 (0) v Armenia
Armenia national football team

The Armenia national football team is the national football team of Armenia and is controlled by the Football Federation of Armenia. After the split of the Soviet Union, the team played its first international match against Moldova national football team on October 12, 1992....
, 10 September 2008 		v Armenia
Armenia national football team

The Armenia national football team is the national football team of Armenia and is controlled by the Football Federation of Armenia. After the split of the Soviet Union, the team played its first international match against Moldova national football team on October 12, 1992....
, 10 September 2008
16 Sergio García
Sergio García de la Fuente

Sergio Garc?a de la Fuente is a Spain football who currently plays as Winger or striker for Real Betis....
 		Real Betis
Real Betis

Real Betis Balompi? is a Spanish football club in Seville founded in 1907. The team currently plays in La Liga. Its home stadium is the 52,700-seat Estadio Manuel Ruiz de Lopera and its home colours are green and white....
 		 2 (0) v Peru
Peru national football team

The Peru national football team is controlled by the Federaci?n Peruana de F?tbol and represents Peru in international football competitions. Created in 1927, the team competes with nine other teams in the CONMEBOL conference within FIFA....
, 31 May 2008 		v Greece
Greece national football team

The Greece national football team is the national Association football team of Greece and is controlled by the Hellenic Football Federation....
, 18 June 2008
23 Raúl Tamudo
Raúl Tamudo

Ra?l Tamudo Montero is a Spanish football striker, currently a striker and the captain for RCD Espanyol.Tamudo has won the Copa del Rey twice with Espanyol....
 		 13 (5) v Germany
Germany national football team

The German national football team is the association football team representing the country of Germany in international competition since 1908....
, August 16 2000 		Euro 2008 Provisional Squad


Previous squads

FIFA World Cup squads:
  • 2006 FIFA World Cup squad
    2006 FIFA World Cup squads

    This article lists the confirmed national football squads for the 2006 FIFA World Cup tournament held in Germany, between June 9 and July 9, 2006....
  • 2002 FIFA World Cup squad
    2002 FIFA World Cup squads

    Below are the squads for the 2002 FIFA World Cup tournament in South Korea and Japan. There were 23 players in each squad, expanded from 22 in previous tournaments....
  • 1998 FIFA World Cup squad
    1998 FIFA World Cup squads

    Below are the squads for the 1998 FIFA World Cup tournament in France.Age as of June 10 1998....
  • 1994 FIFA World Cup squad
    1994 FIFA World Cup squads

    Below are the squads for the 1994 FIFA World Cup tournament in the United States....
  • 1990 FIFA World Cup squad
    1990 FIFA World Cup squads

    Below are the squads for the 1990 FIFA World Cup tournament in Italy....
  • 1986 FIFA World Cup squad
    1986 FIFA World Cup squads

    Below are the squads for the 1986 FIFA World Cup tournament in Mexico....
  • 1982 FIFA World Cup squad
    1982 FIFA World Cup squads

    Below are the squads for the 1982 FIFA World Cup tournament in Spain....
  • 1978 FIFA World Cup squad
    1978 FIFA World Cup squads

    Below are the squads for the 1978 FIFA World Cup tournament in Argentina....
  • 1966 FIFA World Cup squad
    1966 FIFA World Cup squads

    Below are the squads for the 1966 FIFA World Cup tournament in England....
  • 1962 FIFA World Cup squad
    1962 FIFA World Cup squads

    Below are the squads for the 1962 FIFA World Cup tournament in Chile....
  • 1950 FIFA World Cup squad
    1950 FIFA World Cup squads

    Below are the squads for the 1950 FIFA World Cup tournament in Brazil. This was the first World Cup where the players' jerseys featured back numbers , though no teams had fixed numbers for each player ....
  • 1934 FIFA World Cup squad
    1934 FIFA World Cup squads

    Below are the squads for the 1934 FIFA World Cup tournament in Italy.Head coach: Vittorio PozzoHead coach: Karel PetruHead coach: Otto Nerz...


UEFA European Football Championship squads:
  • UEFA Euro 2008 squad
    UEFA Euro 2008 squads

    The following is a list of squads for each nation competing at UEFA Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland. The tournament started on 7 June and the UEFA Euro 2008 Final took place in Vienna on 29 June 2008....
  • UEFA Euro 2004 squad
  • UEFA Euro 2000 squad
  • UEFA Euro 1996 squad
  • UEFA Euro 1988 squad
  • UEFA Euro 1984 squad
  • UEFA Euro 1980 squad
  • UEFA Euro 1964 squad


Notable players

Players are ordered by year of debut with national football team




1920
  • Ricardo Zamora
    Ricardo Zamora

    Ricard Zamora Mart?nez was a Football in Spain footballer and manager. He played as a goalkeeper for, among others, RCD Espanyol, FC Barcelona and Madrid CF....
     (GK)
  • Josep Samitier
    Josep Samitier

    Josep Samitier Vilalta , also known as Jos? Samitier , was a Football in Spain footballer, manager and scout who played for FC Barcelona, Madrid CF, OGC Nice, the Catalonia regional football team and Spain national football team....
     (MF)
1921
  • Paulino Alcántara
    Paulino Alcántara

    Paulino Alc?ntara Riestr? was a former Filipino-Spanish football player and manager who spent most of his playing career at FC Barcelona. He also played for the Catalonia national football team, the Philippines national football team and Spain national football team....
     (FW)
1928
  • Jacinto Quincoces
    Jacinto Quincoces

    Jacinto Quincoces y L?pez de Arbina was a Spain football player and manager, as well as President of the Valencian Pilota Federation.He played 25 matches for the Spain national football team from 1928 to 1936, and was part of Spain's 1934 FIFA World Cup team....
     (DF)
1934
  • Isidro Lángara
    Isidro Lángara

    Isidro L?ngara Galarraga was a Spanish people Association football Forward . He played 12 times for Spain national football team, scoring 17 goals....
     (FW)
  • Luis Regueiro
    Luis Regueiro

    Luis Regueiro Pagola , sometimes nicknamed Corso, was a Spain football . He played for Real Madrid from 1931 to 1936, scoring 53 goals in 92 matches....
     (FW)
1936
  • Ángel Zubieta
    Ángel Zubieta

    ?ngel Zubieta Redondo is a former Spain football and manager....
     (DF)
1945
  • Telmo Zarra (FW)
  • Agustín Gaínza
    Agustín Gaínza

    Agust?n Ga?nza Vicandi was a Spain/Basque people footballer and coach born in Basauri, Vizcaya. Also known as Piru. He played as a forward for Athletic Bilbao and Spain national football team....
     (FW)
1949
  • Estanislao Basora
    Estanislao Basora

    Estanislao Basora Brunet is a former Football in Spain Football in Catalonia footballer who spent most of his career at FC Barcelona. In 1974, during the club?s 75th anniversary celebrations, he was included in their all-time best XI....
     (FW)
1950
  • Antoni Ramallets
    Antoni Ramallets

    Antonio Ramallets Sim?n, is a former Football in Spainer and manager. He played as a goalkeeper and spent most of his career at FC Barcelona. Ramallets won the Ricardo Zamora Trophy as the best goalkeeper in La Liga on five occasions during the 1950s and early 1960s....
     (GK)
1953
  • Ladislao Kubala
    Ladislao Kubala

    L?szl? Kubala Stecz , also referred to as Kubala St?cz L?szl?, was a Hungary footballer and manager who played as a forward with various European clubs including Ferencv?rosi Torna Club, ?K Slovan Bratislava, Vasas SC, FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol....
     (MF/FW)
1955
  • Francisco Gento
    Francisco Gento

    Francisco "Paco" Gento L?pez is a former Spain association football player....
     (MF)
1957
  • Alfredo di Stéfano
    Alfredo Di Stéfano

    Alfredo di St?fano Laulh? is an Argentina - Spain former football and coach . He is most associated with Real Madrid C.F. and was instrumental in their domination of the UEFA Champions League during the 1950s, a period in which the club won the trophy in five consecutive seasons from 1956....
     (FW)
  • Luis Suárez
    Luis Suárez Miramontes

    Luis Su?rez Miramontes is a Spanish former footballer and manager. He played as a midfielder for Deportivo de La Coru?a, CD Espa?a Industrial, CF Barcelona, Inter Milan, U.C....
     (MF)
  1958
  • José Santamaría
    José Santamaria

    Jos? Emilio Santamar?a Iglesias is an Spain-Uruguay former Football player and coach. He is regarded by many as one of the all-time greatest Defender ....
     (DF)
1961
  • Ferenc Puskás
    Ferenc Puskás

    Ferenc Pusk?s was a legendary Hungarian people football and Coach and is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. He scored a remarkable 84 goals in 85 international matches for Hungary national football team, and 514 goals in 529 matches in the Hungarian League and La Liga leagues....
     (FW)
1962
  • Amancio
    Amancio Amaro

    Amancio Amaro Varela, commonly known simply as Amancio, was born on 16 October 1939 in A Coru?a, Galicia , Spain. He is a former Galician football player....
     (FW)
1964
  • José Ángel Iribar
    José Ángel Iribar

    Jos? ?ngel Iribar Cortajarena, El Chopo is a former Spain footballer and manager. He played as goalkeeper for CD Baskonia, Athletic Bilbao and Spain national football team....
     (GK)
  • Pirri (MF)
  • Marcelino
    Marcelino Martínez

    Marcelino Mart?nez Cao, also known as Marcelino , was a former Spain football player.During his career, he played mainly for Real Zaragoza....
     (MF)
1965
  • Luis Aragonés
    Luis Aragonés

    Jos? Luis Aragon?s Su?rez , sometimes referred to as simply Luis, is a former Spain footballer and national coach, and currently the coach of Fenerbah?e S.K....
     (FW)
1969
  • Salvador Sadurní
    Salvador Sadurní

    Salvador Sadurn? Urp? is a former Spain football goalkeeper .He played for FC Barcelona from 1961 to 1976, and won three Ricardo Zamora Trophy as the league's best goalkeeper ....
     (GK)
1970
  • Quini
    Quini

    Enrique Castro Gonz?lez, also known as Quini is a Spain ex-football born in Oviedo.He dedicated his professional career playing for two historic Spanish clubs: Sporting de Gij?n and FC Barcelona....
     (FW)
1975
  • José Antonio Camacho
    José Antonio Camacho

    Jos? Antonio Camacho Alfaro is a former Spain football player and the current coach of CA Osasuna.Camacho joined Real Madrid C.F. at age 18, playing left defence between 1973 and 1989 and taking part in 400 La Liga matches, in spite of a knee injury which put his career on hold for two years....
     (DF)
  • Santillana (FW)
  • Vicente del Bosque
    Vicente Del Bosque

    Vicente del Bosque Gonz?lez is a retired Spanish Association football Midfielder#Defensive midfielder and now a Coach . He is currently the manager of the Spain national football team, taking over from Luis Aragones following Spain's title success at UEFA Euro 2008....
     (MF)
  • Jesús María Satrústegui
    Jesús María Satrústegui

    Jes?s Mar?a Satr?stegui Azpiroz is a former Spain football .During his career he played for Real Sociedad from 1973 to 1986, winning two league titles in 1981 and 1982....
     (FW)
1977
  • Luis Arconada
    Luis Arconada

    Luis Miguel Arconada Etxarri is a Spanish former international football goalkeeper . In his career he chalked up 551 first-division games in Spain, and 68 Spain national football team caps....
     (GK)
1978
  • Rafael Gordillo
    Rafael Gordillo

    Rafael Gordillo V?zquez is a former Spain football , best known for his Real Madrid stint. A tremendously offensive left back with good effort, he had an unmistakeable style of playing with his socks down....
     (MF)
  1981
  • Víctor Muñoz
    Víctor Muñoz

    V?ctor Mu?oz Manrique is a former Spanish football midfield player during the 80's and early 90's. During these years he played football for Real Zaragoza, FC Barcelona and earned a total of 60 caps for Spanish national football team, scoring 3 goals....
     (MF)
1984
  • Emilio Butragueño
    Emilio Butragueño

    Emilio Butrague?o Santos is a former Spain soccer forward who played for Real Madrid Castilla, Real Madrid C.F., Atl?tico Celaya and Spain national football team....
     (FW)
1985
  • Andoni Zubizarreta
    Andoni Zubizarreta

    Andoni Zubizarreta Urreta is a former Spanish association football Goalkeeper , and the all-time most cap player for the Spain national football team....
     (GK)
  • Míchel (MF)
1986
  • Manuel Sanchís
    Manuel Sanchís Hontiyuelo

    Manuel Sanch?s Hontiyuelo is a former Spain Association football player. Sanchis was the only Defender in the famous Quinta del Buitre and the only one of its members to play his List of one-club men for La Liga side Real Madrid C.F.....
     (DF)
  • Julio Salinas
    Julio Salinas

    Julio Salinas Fern?ndez is a former Spain-Basque people soccer during the 1980s and 1990s.A tall, lanky centre forward with skills, Salinas is best remembered for his spell at FC Barcelona, while he was also a prolific goalscorer for club and Spain national football team....
     (FW)
1989
  • Fernando Hierro
    Fernando Hierro

    Fernando Ruiz Hierro, Pronunciation is a former Spain football . He is most famous as a member of Real Madrid and Spain national football team.He started his career as a striker and was eventually moved back to play as a defensive midfielder, and a central defender....
     (DF)
1991
  • Miguel Ángel Nadal
    Miguel Ángel Nadal

    Miguel ?ngel Nadal Homar is a former football from Spain. Nicknamed the The Beast of Barcelona, Nadal played for RCD Mallorca, FC Barcelona, and for the Spain national football team, earning 62 caps for his country between 1991 and 2002....
     (DF)
  • Luis Enrique
    Luís Enrique Martínez García

    Luis Enrique, full name Luis Enrique Mart?nez Garc?a is a former Spain Football . His usual position was right midfielder or attacking midfielder, but he was notable for his versatility, having played in all positions throughout his career except Defender #Centre back and goalkeeper....
     (MF)
  • Abelardo
    Abelardo Fernández

    Abelardo Fern?ndez Antu?a, Pronunciation , , simply Abelardo, is a Spain former Association football, who played mostly as a central defender ....
     (DF)
1992
  • Pep Guardiola
    Josep Guardiola

    File:Josep Guardiola.jpgJosep "Pep" Guardiola Sala, Pronunciation , is a former Spain association football midfielder and current FC Barcelona coach....
     (MF)
1993
  • Julen Guerrero
    Julen Guerrero

    Julen Guerrero L?pez is a retired Basque people footballer who played as a midfielder for Athletic Bilbao, Spain national football team and the Basque Country national football team....
     (FW)
1994
  • Sergi
    Sergi Barjuán

    Sergi, full name Sergi Barju?n i Esclusa , is a former Catalonia football left back, best known for his FC Barcelona stint.Sergi spent most of his career with FC Barcelona, debuting with Bar?as first team in 1993....
     (DF)
1996
  • Raúl
    Raúl González

    Ra?l Gonz?lez Blanco , usually known simply as Ra?l, is a Spanish Association football striker who plays for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid C.F.....
     (FW)
  1997
  • Joseba Etxeberria
    Joseba Etxeberría

    Joseba Andoni Etxeberria Lizardi is a Spanish people football winger , who currently plays for Athletic de Bilbao in La Liga.Famed for his dribbling, pace and fierce shot, he is also known by the nickname El Gallo because of his long neck....
     (MF)
1998
  • Juan Carlos Valerón
    Juan Carlos Valerón

    Juan Carlos Valer?n Santana is a Spain football who plays as an attacking midfielder, currently for Deportivo de La Coru?a.Valer?n is an exemplary player noted for his outstanding character, and alongside players like Ra?l Gonz?lez is regarded as a role model, rightfully combining temperament and passion....
     (MF)
  • Fernando Morientes
    Fernando Morientes

    Fernando Morientes S?nchez is a Spain Association football who plays for Valencia CF. He has previously played for Liverpool F.C., AS Monaco FC, Albacete Balompi?, Real Zaragoza and most notably Real Madrid C.F....
     (FW)
2000
  • Iker Casillas
    Íker Casillas

    Iker Casillas Fern?ndez ; is a Spain association football Goalkeeper who plays for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid C.F. and the Spain national football team....
     (GK)
  • Carles Puyol
    Carles Puyol

    Carles Puyol i Saforcada is a Spain football Defender who plays for Spanish La Liga club FC Barcelona and the Spain national football team....
     (DF)
  • Xavi
    Xavi

    Xavier Hern?ndez Creus , commonly known as Xavi, is a Spanish Association football who plays as a Midfielder or Midfielder for FC Barcelona....
     (MF)
2001
  • David Albelda
    David Albelda

    David Albelda Aliqu?s is a Spain soccer, currently playing as a midfielder with Valencia CF.He is best known for his marking, tackling abilities, stamina and leadership skills, having captain the squad for over a decade....
     (MF)
  • Vicente Rodríguez
    Vicente Rodríguez

    Vicente Rodr?guez Guill?n, commonly known as Vicente , nicknamed El pu?al de Benicalap , is a Spain football who currently plays with Valencia CF, in La Liga....
     (MF)
2002
  • Carlos Marchena (DF)
  • Joan Capdevila
    Joan Capdevila

    Joan Capdevila M?ndez is a Spain Association football who plays for Spain national football team and Villarreal CF. His usual position is Wingback, but he is also capable of operating as a Winger ....
     (DF)
  • Joaquín (MF)
2003
  • Xabi Alonso
    Xabi Alonso

    Xabier Alonso Olano, commonly known as Xabi Alonso ; born 25 November 1981) is a Spanish Association football who plays for English Premier League club Liverpool F.C....
     (MF)
  • Fernando Torres
    Fernando Torres

    Fernando Jos? Torres Sanz is a Spanish Association football who plays for Premier League club Liverpool F.C. and the Spain national football team as a forward ....
     (FW)
2005
  • Sergio Ramos
    Sérgio Ramos

    S?rgio Bruno Antunes Selores Ramos is a Portuguese people basketball player.He measures 2.00 metres and plays as a forward-center. He announced the end of his international career, after Portugal national basketball team's exit from the EuroBasket 2007....
     (DF)
  • David Villa
    David Villa

    David Villa S?nchez , nicknamed El Guaje is a Spain association football, who currently plays as a striker for Valencia CF and Spain national football team....
     (FW)
2006
  • Marcos Senna
    Marcos Senna

    Marcos Antônio Senna da Silva is a Spain-Brazilian Association football player who plays as a midfielder for Villarreal CF and Spain. He is known for his passing range and long shooting ability and is also a penalty specialist....
     (MF)
  • Andrés Iniesta
    Andrés Iniesta

    Andr?s Iniesta Luj?n is a Spanish people association football Midfielder playing for FC Barcelona. His willingness to play anywhere on the pitch, coupled with a natural humility, has earned him the sobriquet El Anti-Gal?ctico from the Catalan press....
     (MF)
  • Cesc Fàbregas
    Cesc Fàbregas

    Francesc "Cesc" F?bregas Soler is a Spain midfielder who captains the English Premier League club Arsenal F.C. and plays for the Spain national football team....
     (MF)


Top goalscorers

As of February 11 2009 the twenty highest scorers for Spain are:
#PlayerCareerGoals (Caps)Avg/game
1Raúl
Raúl González

Ra?l Gonz?lez Blanco , usually known simply as Ra?l, is a Spanish Association football striker who plays for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid C.F.....
1996-200644 (102)0.431
2Fernando Hierro
Fernando Hierro

Fernando Ruiz Hierro, Pronunciation is a former Spain football . He is most famous as a member of Real Madrid and Spain national football team.He started his career as a striker and was eventually moved back to play as a defensive midfielder, and a central defender....
1989-200229 (89)0.325
3Fernando Morientes
Fernando Morientes

Fernando Morientes S?nchez is a Spain Association football who plays for Valencia CF. He has previously played for Liverpool F.C., AS Monaco FC, Albacete Balompi?, Real Zaragoza and most notably Real Madrid C.F....
1998-27 (47)0.574
4Emilio Butragueño
Emilio Butragueño

Emilio Butrague?o Santos is a former Spain soccer forward who played for Real Madrid Castilla, Real Madrid C.F., Atl?tico Celaya and Spain national football team....
1984-199226 (69)0.377
5David Villa
David Villa

David Villa S?nchez , nicknamed El Guaje is a Spain association football, who currently plays as a striker for Valencia CF and Spain national football team....
2005-25 (42)0.595
6Alfredo di Stéfano
Alfredo Di Stéfano

Alfredo di St?fano Laulh? is an Argentina - Spain former football and coach . He is most associated with Real Madrid C.F. and was instrumental in their domination of the UEFA Champions League during the 1950s, a period in which the club won the trophy in five consecutive seasons from 1956....
1957-196123 (31)0.742
Julio Salinas
Julio Salinas

Julio Salinas Fern?ndez is a former Spain-Basque people soccer during the 1980s and 1990s.A tall, lanky centre forward with skills, Salinas is best remembered for his spell at FC Barcelona, while he was also a prolific goalscorer for club and Spain national football team....
1986-199623 (56)0.411
8Míchel1985-199221 (66)0.318
9Telmo Zarra1945-195120 (20)1.000
10Fernando Torres
Fernando Torres

Fernando Jos? Torres Sanz is a Spanish Association football who plays for Premier League club Liverpool F.C. and the Spain national football team as a forward ....
2003-18 (59)0.305
11Isidro Lángara
Isidro Lángara

Isidro L?ngara Galarraga was a Spanish people Association football Forward . He played 12 times for Spain national football team, scoring 17 goals....
1932-193617 (12)1.417
12Luis Regueiro
Luis Regueiro

Luis Regueiro Pagola , sometimes nicknamed Corso, was a Spain football . He played for Real Madrid from 1931 to 1936, scoring 53 goals in 92 matches....
1927-193616 (25)0.640
Pirri1966-197816 (41)0.390
14Santillana1975-198515 (56)0.268
15Luis Suárez
Luis Suárez Miramontes

Luis Su?rez Miramontes is a Spanish former footballer and manager. He played as a midfielder for Deportivo de La Coru?a, CD Espa?a Industrial, CF Barcelona, Inter Milan, U.C....
1957-197214 (32)0.437
16Estanislao Basora
Estanislao Basora

Estanislao Basora Brunet is a former Football in Spain Football in Catalonia footballer who spent most of his career at FC Barcelona. In 1974, during the club?s 75th anniversary celebrations, he was included in their all-time best XI....
1949-195713 (22)0.591
Julen Guerrero
Julen Guerrero

Julen Guerrero L?pez is a retired Basque people footballer who played as a midfielder for Athletic Bilbao, Spain national football team and the Basque Country national football team....
1993-200013 (41)0.317
18Joseba Etxeberria
Joseba Etxeberría

Joseba Andoni Etxeberria Lizardi is a Spanish people football winger , who currently plays for Athletic de Bilbao in La Liga.Famed for his dribbling, pace and fierce shot, he is also known by the nickname El Gallo because of his long neck....
1997-200412 (53)0.226
Luis Enrique
Luís Enrique Martínez García

Luis Enrique, full name Luis Enrique Mart?nez Garc?a is a former Spain Football . His usual position was right midfielder or attacking midfielder, but he was notable for his versatility, having played in all positions throughout his career except Defender #Centre back and goalkeeper....
1991-200212 (62)0.193
20Ladislao Kubala
Ladislao Kubala

L?szl? Kubala Stecz , also referred to as Kubala St?cz L?szl?, was a Hungary footballer and manager who played as a forward with various European clubs including Ferencv?rosi Torna Club, ?K Slovan Bratislava, Vasas SC, FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol....
1953-196111 (19)0.579
Alfonso Pérez
Alfonso Pérez

Alfonso P?rez Mu?oz , usually referred to as Alfonso, is a former Spain national football team soccer, in the striker position.Having represented both Real Madrid and FC Barcelona during his career, Alfonso possessed above-average heading ability despite not reaching 180 cms....
1992-200011 (38)0.289
Amancio
Amancio Amaro

Amancio Amaro Varela, commonly known simply as Amancio, was born on 16 October 1939 in A Coru?a, Galicia , Spain. He is a former Galician football player....
1962-197411 (42)0.262


Bold denotes players still playing or available for selection.


Most capped Spain players

As of February 11 2009 the ten players with the most caps
Cap (sport)

A cap is an appearance for a select team, such as a school, county or international team in sports. The term dates from the practice in the United Kingdom of awarding a cap to every player in an international match of soccer; however, the act of awarding a cap is now international and is applied to other sports....
 for Spain are:
#NameCareerCapsGoals
1Andoni Zubizarreta
Andoni Zubizarreta

Andoni Zubizarreta Urreta is a former Spanish association football Goalkeeper , and the all-time most cap player for the Spain national football team....
 		1985-19981260
2Raúl
Raúl González

Ra?l Gonz?lez Blanco , usually known simply as Ra?l, is a Spanish Association football striker who plays for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid C.F.....
1996-200610244
3Iker Casillas
Íker Casillas

Iker Casillas Fern?ndez ; is a Spain association football Goalkeeper who plays for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid C.F. and the Spain national football team....
2000-890
Fernando Hierro
Fernando Hierro

Fernando Ruiz Hierro, Pronunciation is a former Spain football . He is most famous as a member of Real Madrid and Spain national football team.He started his career as a striker and was eventually moved back to play as a defensive midfielder, and a central defender....
1989-20028929
5José Antonio Camacho
José Antonio Camacho

Jos? Antonio Camacho Alfaro is a former Spain football player and the current coach of CA Osasuna.Camacho joined Real Madrid C.F. at age 18, playing left defence between 1973 and 1989 and taking part in 400 La Liga matches, in spite of a knee injury which put his career on hold for two years....
1975-1988810
6Rafael Gordillo
Rafael Gordillo

Rafael Gordillo V?zquez is a former Spain football , best known for his Real Madrid stint. A tremendously offensive left back with good effort, he had an unmistakeable style of playing with his socks down....
1978-1988753
7Carles Puyol
Carles Puyol

Carles Puyol i Saforcada is a Spain football Defender who plays for Spanish La Liga club FC Barcelona and the Spain national football team....
2002-722
8Emilio Butragueño
Emilio Butragueño

Emilio Butrague?o Santos is a former Spain soccer forward who played for Real Madrid Castilla, Real Madrid C.F., Atl?tico Celaya and Spain national football team....
1984-19926926
Xavi Hernández2000-698
10Luis Arconada
Luis Arconada

Luis Miguel Arconada Etxarri is a Spanish former international football goalkeeper . In his career he chalked up 551 first-division games in Spain, and 68 Spain national football team caps....
1977-1985680


Bold denotes players still playing or available for selection.


Selected Managers

see also List of Spain national football team managers
List of Spain national football team managers

Sorry, no overview for this topic
 and
  • Francisco Bru, 1920
  • Pedro Parages
    Pedro Parages

    Pedro Parages Diego-Madrazo was chairman of Real Madrid from 1916 to 1926.The player of team Real MadridThe coach of a team of Spain at 1924 Summer Olympics...
    , 1923-1924
  • Paulino Alcántara
    Paulino Alcántara

    Paulino Alc?ntara Riestr? was a former Filipino-Spanish football player and manager who spent most of his playing career at FC Barcelona. He also played for the Catalonia national football team, the Philippines national football team and Spain national football team....
    ,1951
  • Ricardo Zamora
    Ricardo Zamora

    Ricard Zamora Mart?nez was a Football in Spain footballer and manager. He played as a goalkeeper for, among others, RCD Espanyol, FC Barcelona and Madrid CF....
    , 1952
  • Pedro Escartín Morán, 1952-1961
  • Helenio Herrera
    Helenio Herrera

    Helenio Herrera was a France-Argentina football player and manager. Herrera had a relatively modest career as a player but, with 16 major titles, he became not only one of the most successful, but also one of the most influential managers in the history of the game....
    , 1959-1962
  • José Villalonga
    José Villalonga Llorente

    Jos? Villalonga Llorente , commonly referred to as Jos? Villalonga and also known as Pepe Villalonga, was a Football in Spain football manager during the 1950s and 1960s....
    , 1962-1966
  • Domingo Balmanya, 1966-1968
  • Luis Molowny
    Luis Molowny

    Luis Molowny Arbelo was a Spain football striker and coach . He was the son of Ra?l Molowny, who played for CD Tenerife in the '20s.During his club career he played for CD Tenerife , Marino FC , Real Madrid and UD Las Palmas ....
    , 1969
  • Miguel Muñoz
    Miguel Muñoz

    Miguel Mu?oz Moz?n was a Spanish footballer and manager. Mu?oz spent the majority of his career at Real Madrid where he is still the club's longest serving and most successful coach to date....
    , 1969, 1982-1988
  • Ladislao Kubala
    Ladislao Kubala

    L?szl? Kubala Stecz , also referred to as Kubala St?cz L?szl?, was a Hungary footballer and manager who played as a forward with various European clubs including Ferencv?rosi Torna Club, ?K Slovan Bratislava, Vasas SC, FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol....
    , 1969-1980
  • José Santamaría
    José Santamaria

    Jos? Emilio Santamar?a Iglesias is an Spain-Uruguay former Football player and coach. He is regarded by many as one of the all-time greatest Defender ....
    , 1980-1982
  • Luis Suárez
    Luis Suárez Miramontes

    Luis Su?rez Miramontes is a Spanish former footballer and manager. He played as a midfielder for Deportivo de La Coru?a, CD Espa?a Industrial, CF Barcelona, Inter Milan, U.C....
    , 1988-1991
  • Vicente Miera
    Vicente Miera

    Vicente Miera Campos is a former Spain football Coach and player.Miera played for Real Madrid and was part of their UEFA Champions League victory in European Cup 1965-66....
    , 1991-1992
  • Javier Clemente
    Javier Clemente

    Javier Clemente L?zaro is a Spain football manager. The veteran La Liga manager has spent most of his career at two clubs, Athletic Bilbao and RCD Espanyol....
    , 1992-1998
  • José Antonio Camacho
    José Antonio Camacho

    Jos? Antonio Camacho Alfaro is a former Spain football player and the current coach of CA Osasuna.Camacho joined Real Madrid C.F. at age 18, playing left defence between 1973 and 1989 and taking part in 400 La Liga matches, in spite of a knee injury which put his career on hold for two years....
    , 1998-2002
  • Iñaki Sáez
    Iñaki Sáez

    Jos? Ignacio S?ez Ruiz, often called I?aki S?ez is a retired Spanish people football player, currently working as a football manager.He played 3 matches for Spain national football team....
    , 2002-2004
  • Luis Aragonés
    Luis Aragonés

    Jos? Luis Aragon?s Su?rez , sometimes referred to as simply Luis, is a former Spain footballer and national coach, and currently the coach of Fenerbah?e S.K....
    , 2004-2008
  • Vicente Del Bosque
    Vicente Del Bosque

    Vicente del Bosque Gonz?lez is a retired Spanish Association football Midfielder#Defensive midfielder and now a Coach . He is currently the manager of the Spain national football team, taking over from Luis Aragones following Spain's title success at UEFA Euro 2008....
    , 2008-


See also

  • Spain national under-21 football team
    Spain national under-21 football team

    The Spain national under-21 football team, is the national under-21 Football team of Spain and is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the Real Federaci?n Espa?ola de F?tbol....
  • Spain national youth football team
    Spain national youth football team

    Spain National Under-17 Squad *Please note some of these players play for their club's reserve team.Current Squad:...
     (Includes U-17 only)


External links



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