Can Spain Hold On To Their Crown in Brazil?

Will Spain be able to defend their World Cup Crown? Well the question is in everyone’s mind. Only twice in the history of the beautiful game has a side been able to defend its crown successful-the last time being way back in 1962 when Brazil followed up its 1958 triumph.
While they are certainly one of the favourites heading into the tournament next season, their recent play has shown otherwise. Now let us analyse Spain’s recent performances building up to the World Cup in Brazil in 2014. 
The defending World and European champions faced a few hiccups in the qualification stage before they ultimately pipped France to an automatic place.
In other competitive action, Spain looked strained after a long hard season when going down 3-0 to Brazil in the Confederations Cup final, the result suggesting a shift in power may be coming. They’ve been unconvincing in the recent friendlies too. An unimpressive 2-1 win against 119th ranked Equatorial Guinea and an embarrassing 1-0 loss against South Africa has set the alarm bells ringing.
Speed has seemingly hurt Spain recently. It was the major difference between Brazil and Spain in the Confederations Cup final in July. Their matches against Equatorial Guinea and South Africa were frustrating, to say the least. Spain should have defeated both sides with relative ease but they struggled. The match against Guinea saw the champs struggle to find their way into the penalty area to create chances. The Guineans clogged the midfield with players and forced Spain to the outside consistently. South Africa actually managed to shut down Spain completely and even defeated them 1-0.
There are signs that Spain’s star is beginning to fade, as shown by the Confederations Cup final and the recent friendlies. They don’t always dominate teams as they once did, winning by a margin of three or four goals.
But do not count out the Spaniards just yet because they have the know-how of winning the World Cup coupled with a manager and a number of players who understand what’s required.