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How Spain Rose to Become the Most National Dominant Force in Soccer History
Published: June 11, 2013
As we head in to this summer's Confederations Cup, la Roja arrive having won the last two European Championships with a World Cup sandwiched nicely in the middle of them—it's obvious why they'll be most people's favorites in Brazil in the coming weeks.
Since 2008, they've been the team to beat; boasting a style more brilliant than Brazil's, midfielders greater than Holland's and depth of talent which makes the Grand Canyon look shallow. Before that though, they fell into a category which many international teams struggle to break away from: perennial underachievers.
Problems
A European Championship win, as the host nation, in 1964 lessened in weight as Spain dragged themselves through the 80's, 90's and into the 2000's.
Like England, they were riding waves from the past. Both had great leagues, packed with some of the world's best sides and huge domestic support; neither could quite find their feet internationally though.
Having failed to make an impression when the World Cup was in their garden in 1982, they were beaten by France in the final of Euro '84. It was mainly lows after that. If failing to qualify for Euro '92 was the bottom, losing on penalties to South Korea in the World Cup 10 years later is remembered as a close second.
While their national team continued to struggle to live up to any sort of reputation at tournaments though, platforms were being built to ensure their future would not continue in the same pattern.
Roots for success
Domestically, Spanish football has many underlying issues.
Real Madrid and Barcelona's dominance is a cause for concern—particularly financially. The Fuentes case regarding doping in sport, mainly cycling, brought forward accusations of drugs being used by Spanish teams, via The Telegraph, while match fixing al...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football
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