World Cup 2018: Spain

Before the 2018 World Cup starts in Moscow next June 14, Brussels Express will present all EU national teams involved in the competition. Chapter II: Spain.

Spain is definitely one of the favourite teams to win this competition. Although it was eliminated in the first round in 2014, Spain indeed reigns over the European football.

If you have a look at the current European competitions, there is no way to deny the Spanish domination in football. This year, Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid indeed won the Europa League and the UEFA Champion’s League. And since 2014, only Spanish teams have won the UEFA Champions’ League.

Spanish team doesn’t mean Spanish players at the club level, that’s true. But the national team, which won the UEFA Euro 2008 and 2012, as well as the World Cup 2010, clearly has one of the best potentials in terms of individual players.

There’s no issue with regard to the group they’re in, although Portugal is a very good challenger that can go on to something interesting in the competition. Will the Spaniards reach the semi-finals or final?

Main Player: Sergio Ramos

When it comes to he Spanish key player, it is not an obvious pick as many of them lay within the best players of the World. But Sergio Ramos can be listed as the providential players of the national team.

He was part of the Real Madrid team that won the UEFA Champion’s League in 2018, the third in a row. He’s never got the ‘Ballon d’Or’, as it is actually something that only honours the scorers, but every football expert can certificate his massive importance in major games.

Sergio Ramos is therefore really someone you should look out for during the World Cup to assess the Spanish performance.

Calendar:

• 15 June – Spain vs. Portugal
• 20 June – Spain vs. Iran
• 25 June – Spain vs. Morrocco

Places to watch the games in Brussels

• Centro Cabraliego, 171 Rue Haute – 1000 – Brussels
• Wine Tales, 13, Place de Londres – 1050 – Brussels