Spain: Road to Euro 2012

Being defending and World Champions comes with perks and pressures. Spain is one side that has seen much of both and will begin their Euro 2012 campaign as the side all others would want to beat if the trophy has to be lifted.

Strong favourites to win the title after marching towards it in the previous edition, Spain has done almost everything right in the last four years. After the World Cup in South Africa was also added to the already gleaming cabinet, the only thing left for Vicente del Bosque and his highly skilled side is to stage an encore. With a list of highly accomplished players like Iker Cassilas, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Fernando Torres, it will not be wrong for Spanish fans to be the most boisterous.

The road to Poland-Ukraine has not been 'too shabby either.' Eight matches and eight wins is how the team can boast of their right to defend the Euro 2012 title. After crushing Liechtenstein and Lithuania (4-0 and 3-1), there was a minor blip when Scotland threatened to create an upset. A match that was being played well with a lead of 2 goals was given away before a late goal from Torres sealed a dramatic match with the final scoreline of 3-2 at the finish.

Mistakes made were learnt from well and Spain did not have any other hiccup. Lithuania (3-1) and Liechtenstein (6-0) were again blown to smithereens. Even the Czechs failed to trouble as they were brought down (2-0 in both encounters) while the return-leg of the match against Scotland did not prove to be as dramatic as their previous clash.

Though they are in a group that also has Italy, Spain will look to have an easy outing, at least in the initial round. Over-confidence however, can have its inherent doom and even the best of players can fall if the entire event and the oppositions are taken too lightly.