Spain national football team
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Spain | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Nickname | La Furia Roja (The Red Fury) La Seleccion |
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| Association | Real Federación Española de Fútbol |
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| Confederation | UEFA (Europe) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Head coach | Luis Aragonés (2004–) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Captain | Iker Casillas | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Most caps | Andoni Zubizarreta (126) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Top scorer | Raúl (44) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Home stadium | - Stadio Olimpico
pattern_la1=_yellowshoulders |
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| FIFA code | ESP | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FIFA ranking | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Highest FIFA ranking | 2 (December 1994) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lowest FIFA ranking | 25 (March 1998) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Elo ranking | 11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Highest Elo ranking | 1 (1920, 1921, 1925, 2002) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lowest Elo ranking | 20 (June 1969, June 1981) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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First international Spain 1 - 0 Denmark  (Brussels, Belgium; 28 August 1920) |
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Biggest win Spain 13 - 0 Bulgaria  (Madrid, Spain; 21 May 1933) |
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Biggest defeat Italy 7 - 1 Spain (Amsterdam, Netherlands; 4 June 1928)  England 7 - 1 Spain (London, England; 9 December 1931) |
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| World Cup | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Appearances | 12 (First in 1934) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Best result | Fourth place, 1950 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| European Championship | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Appearances | 7 (First in 1964) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Best result | Winners, 1964 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Olympic medal record | |||
| Men’s Football | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver | 1920 Antwerp | Team | |
| Gold | 1992 Barcelona | Team | |
| Silver | 2000 Sydney | Team | |
The Spain national football team, commonly referred to as La Selección, is the national football team of Spain and is controlled by the Real Federación Española de Fútbol.
Spain has a reputation for underachievement in the FIFA World Cup, with their best finish being fourth place in 1950 despite often being among the pre-tournament favorites. They often start well, but struggle considerably in the later stages. Their only senior level tournament victory is the 1964 European Championship. Their current FIFA ranking is 10th. They did win the gold medal when they hosted the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, and in the 1999 World Youth Championship in Nigeria.
[edit] History
[edit] Early Years
Spain made their international football debut in 1920 at the Olympic Games in Belgium and won with the silver medal. They played their first home international in 1921, beating Belgium 2-0 in Bilbao. They also became the first non-British side to beat England when they won 4-3 in a friendly in Madrid in 1929. Spain however did not enter the 1930 World Cup. Four years later, Spain qualified for the second World Cup in Italy in 1934 and progressed to the quarterfinals where the lost to Italy 1-0 in a replay after a 1-1 draw. The Spanish Civil War and World War II did not see Spain play a competitive match until the 1950 World Cup.
[edit] Post World War II
In 1950 Spain qualified for the World Cup after beating Portugal. Spain was put into group 2 with England, Chile, and the USA. Spain made considerable success beating the USA 3-1, Chile 2-0, and England 1-0 to top the group and qualify for the final round. The final round consisted of the four group winners playing in a single group. The other winners were Brazil, Uruguay, and Sweden. Early success in the tournement eluded them as they gained only one point after losing to Brazil and Sweden and drawing with Urugauy to finish fourth in the tournament. The 1950 World cup would be Spain's best ever finish. After the 1950 World Cup Spain entered a period of football wildernes and did not make another major apearence until Euro 60.
Under French-Argentine coach Helenio Herrera, Spain came out of a period of wilderness to qualify for the first European Championship in 1960. At Euro 60, Spain entered into the eighth finals ant beat Poland 7-2 on aggregate. However after a protest against the USSR, Spain was automatically knocked out of the competition.
[edit] European Champions and the Villalonga Era
In 1962 José Villalonga was appointed coach of Spain. Villalonga qualified Spain for the World Cup in 1962 but exited in the first round after facing a tough group 3 consisting of Brazil, Czecholovakia, and Mexico. Two years later they won the European Championship. With a squad that included Luis Suárez, Francisco Gento, Josep Fusté and José Ángel Iribar, Spain beat Romania, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in the qualifying rounds before hosting the semi-finals and final. In the semi-finals Spain beat highly favored Hungary 2-1. In the final, Spain beat the USSR 2-1 in front of a crowd of 125,000 at the Bernabéu. Jesus María Pereda put Spain ahead after just six minutes but they needed a late Marcelino Martínez header to win it after Galimzian Khusainov equalised with a free-kick.
As European Champions, Spain qualified for the 1966 World Cup with much of the 1964 squad under José Villalonga but failed to make an impression as they exited in the first round after losing to West Germany and Argentina but defeating Switzerland.
[edit] 1968 to 1975
The departure of Villalonga put Spain into another period of wilderness with mixed results. In 1968 Spain qaulified for the European Championship in Italy the same year and finished outside the final four having been knocked out in the quarterfinals by England. After Euro 68 Spain did not qualify for another tournament until Euro 76.
[edit] Post Francoist Spain, Late 70s and Early 80s
Spain ended a period of wilderness with an impressive undefeated performance in their Euro 76 qualfying group which featured Romania, Scotland, and Denmark. Spain exited in the quarterfinals having been defeated by Germany 3-1 on aggregate.
The 1978 World Cup witnessed Spain comeback to their first world cup since 1966. Spain qualified having defeated Yugoslavia home and away only losing to Romania in Bucharest. In the final tournament Spain were drawn into group 3 with Brazil, Austria, and Sweden. Spain's fortune ended in the first round when they lost to Austria 2-1, drew with Brazil 0-0, and defeated Sweden 1-0.
Euro 80 saw Spain qualify for the first eight team European championship. After suprassing Romania, Yugoslavia, and Cyprus, Spain was drawn into group B with England, Italy, and Belgium. Spain proved to be the weakest side of the group as they gianed only one point after a draw with Italy and losses to England and Belguim.
[edit] 1982 World Cup in Spain
In 1966 Spain were selected and hosts of the 1982 FIFA World Cup. This edition of the World Cup featured twenty-four teams for the first time. Expectations were high for Spain as the host nation under coach José Santamaría. In the group stage, Spain was drawn into group 5 with Northern Ireland, Yugoslavia, and Honduras. With pressure to perform well, Spain struggled through their group. On their first day of competetion, Spain managed only 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 defeat Spain progressed to the second round. Spain were drawn into group B in the second round with West Germany and England. Spain's campaign ended when they were defeated by West Germany 2-1 and drew 0-0 with England. As dissapointment swept the country, coach José Santamaría was sacked.
[edit] 1984 to 1988
After a disappointing World Cup campaign on home soil, Spain were desperate to get back onto the world footballing stage. Former coach Miguel Muñoz who had temporarly coached Spain in 1969 returned to coach the national side. Spain topped Euro 84 qualifying group 7 which consisited of Netherlands, Republic of Ireland, Iceland, and Malta. In the final tournament, Spain were dubbed as outsiders by bookmakers despite many talented players. 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. In the semifinals Spain were up against darkhorses Denmark. After 1-1 at full time Spain defeated Denmark 5-4 on penalties after Preben Elkjær shot over the bar. Going beyond anyone's expectations Spain made it to the final to face the hosts and tournament favorites France. Led by captain Michel Platini, France were tipped as heavy favorites yet Spain however were not shunned out having gone beyond anyone's expectations. Spain were defeated 2-0 after a goaless first half and finished a runners up to create their second best finish in European Championship history.
To build on their impressive Euro 84 performace, Muñoz qualified Spain for the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. Spain progressed having topped an easy group with Scotland, Wales, and Iceland. Coach Muñoz took Spain to Mexico with a squad mixed with new and veteran players. Spain's group consisted of Brazil, Nothern Ireland, and Algeria. Spain began the tournament nervously as they lost to Brazil 1-0. However they secured qualification after 2-1 and 3-0 victories over Northern Ireland and Algeria respectively. The round of sixteen paired Spain with Denmark who topped their group from all three victories. In what turned out to be one of the strangest World Cup games, Spain defeated Denmark 5-1 with Emilio Butragueño scoring four goals. Spain prgressed to the quarter-finals to face Belguim who had impressivly defeated the USSR 4-3. Spain's quarter-final with Belgium finished 1-1 after extra time failed to produce a goal. Their 1986 campaign ended when they were defeated 5-4 on penalties by Belguim. Despite their quarter-final exit, the squad of 1986 was the highest scoring Spanish team.
Spain's coach of Euro 84 and World Cup 1986 Miguel Muñoz, was kept as coach for Euro 88. As in the several previous tournaments Spain qualified impressivly in a group with Austria, Romania, and Albania. Spain were drawn into group A with West Germany, Italy, and Denmark. 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 defeats respective 1-0 and 2-0 to Italy and West Germany.
[edit] 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 in Italy. Spain's new coach Luis Suárez selected many new players including Manuel Jiménez, Genar Andrinúa, and Martín Vázquez. 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 expected 0-0 draw with Urugauy. They later defeated Korea 3-1 and avenged Belguim 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 reuslt Spain exited earlier than expected had disappointed their fans for not improving on their 1986 campaign.
Further disappointment followed when newly appointed coach Vicente Miera failed to qualify Spain for Euro 92 after finishing third in a group behind topsides France and Czechoslovakia. Vicente Miera did however lead Spain to the gold medal at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.
[edit] 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. Spain 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. A nasty and bloody foul committed by Mauro Tassotti towards Luis Enrique left the Spanish midfielder's nose broken in the penalty box, but with no penalty call given, Robert Baggio would score the game winner for Italy in the last minutes.. The 1994 campaign was seen as one of Spain's best despite the disappoinment. 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, Belguim, 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. To their misery Spain once again fell in the quarter-finals, this time the hosts England on penalties.
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 and Fernando Morientes 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, Bulagria, Paraguay, and Nigeria, many considered this group to be the Group of Death of the entire tournament. 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 goaltender Andoni Zubizarreta. 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 disapointed 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 defeat Bulgaria for any realistic chance of progressing to the second round. In their last group game Spain fought valiantly to crush Bulgaria 6-1 hoping that goal differential would send them through, should Nigeria and Paraguay draw. 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.
[edit] 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 promtly appointed as coach. Camacho immediatly turned Spain's campaign around and Spain won the rest of their games to qaulify for Euro 2000. Once again Spain's hopes rested on a new coach a young players such as Raul Gonzalez, Fernando Morientes, Míchel Salgado, and Juan Carlos Valerón. In the final tournament Spain were in group C with Norway, Slovenia, and Yugoslavia. As always, Spain started their campaign with dissapointment losing 1-0 to Norway. But Spain got back into to tournament with a comforable 2-1 victory over Slovenia. Their last game proved to be another nerve wreck as they looked like going out of the tournament. Their last game was against balkan powers Yugoslavia. Spain started the match nervously by going down 1-0 with a Yugoslavian goal from Milošević. Alfonso was able to put a goal back for Spain in the 38th minute. However Spain went down again 2-1 but made in 2-2 by 51 minutes. Spain went down 3-2 for the third time at 75 minutes. With only fifteen minutes left Spain desperatly searched for an equalizer. After throwing every player forward Spain was still down 3-2, but an incradible 90th minute witnessed another goal from Alfonso and a late penalty from Mendieta turn the game around to make 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. After a dramtic 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 France. Despite a strong Spanish attack France held on to win and knock Spain out prematurely. Dissapointment and saddness swept Spain as they could not impress their fans and suffered yet another quaterfinal exit.
Spain know 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, Irael, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Liechtenstein. Under Comacho Spain hoped that lessons learned from Euro 2000 will bring them better luck. In the final tournament Spain were drawn into group B with Slovenia, Paraguay, and South Africa. This time Spain began the World Cup very strongly with 3-1 victories over Paraguay and Slovenia and a 3-2 victory over South Africa. Spain topped the group with nine points to face off a second round contest with the Republic of Ireland. Goals from Robbie Keane and Fernando Morientes led both teams to a penalty shootout. After several misses and scores from both sides, Spain came out on top with a 3-2 victory. Spain booked a quarterfinal berth with hosts Korea Republic who upset Italy in round two. Spanish fans were confident this was the year Spain was to progress beyond the quarterfinals in any major tournament since Euro 64. After a hard fought 120 minutes and dissalowed goals, Spain faced another penalty shootout. Spain scored three penalties as did Korea. However Spain's worst nightmere became relaity after Joaquín 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 of a successive quaterfinal exit.
[edit] Euro 2004
At Euro 2004 in Portugal, Spain were drawn into group A with Portugal, Russia and Greece. 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 and Xabi Alonso under new coach Iñaki Sáez. Spain were also hoping that the tournaments proximity would contribute to their success. On June 12th, Spain expectedly defeated Russia, 1-0. Four days later Spain faced Greece. Determined to win, Spain led the match until Greece scored an equalizer and the match ended 1-1. In their last game against Portugal, Spain needed to draw to qualify for the quarterfinals. However a goal from Nuno Gomes faded Spain's hopes of advancing. The same day Greece were defeated 2-1 by Russia 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 since the 1998 World Cup. Iñaki Sáez was sacked only weeks later and replaced by Luis Aragonés.
[edit] 2006 World Cup
Under Luis Aragonés, Spain struggled throughout the 2006 World Cup qualifing 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 a group H with Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia. Spain won their opening game over Ukraine in a comfortable 4-0 result, with two goals from David Villa and one each for Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso. 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 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 by 1-0 in Kaiserslautern on the 23 June. However Spain fell 3-1 in the second round by the more experienced France team. Spanish fans once again faced a premature exit and a performance below expectations. Spain and Brazil shared the 2006 FIFA Fair Play Award.
[edit] Euro 2008 Qualifiers
Spain started its qualifying round on September 2, 2006 for Euro 2008 by beating Liechtenstein 4-0 in Badajoz. But were then upset by Northern Ireland 3-2 in Belfast on September 6, 2006. A second straight defeat - a 2-0 loss to Sweden - followed on October 7, 2006. However a 2-1 win against Denmark on March 24, 2007 in Madrid along with a goal from Andrés Iniesta giving Spain a 1-0 victory at home to Iceland on March 28, 2007 has put new life into Spain's campaign.
[edit] World Cup record
| Year | Finish | Matches | Wins | Draws* | Losses | Goals Scored | Goals Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1930 | Did not enter | ||||||
| 1934 | Quarter-final | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 |
| 1938 | Did not enter | ||||||
| 1950 | Fourth place | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 12 |
| 1954 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 1958 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 1962 | Round 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| 1966 | Round 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
| 1970 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 1974 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 1978 | Round 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| 1982 | Round 2 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 5 |
| 1986 | Quarter-final | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 4 |
| 1990 | Round of 16 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 4 |
| 1994 | Quarter-final | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 10 | 6 |
| 1998 | Round 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 4 |
| 2002 | Quarter-final | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 10 | 5 |
| 2006 | Round of 16 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 4 |
| Total | 49 | 22 | 12 | 15 | 80 | 57 |
* Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.
[edit] European Championships record
| Year | Finish | Matches* | Wins | Draws** | Losses | Goals Scored | Goals Against |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | Quarter-final*** | ||||||
| 1964 | Champions | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 3 |
| 1968 | Quarter-final | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| 1972 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 1976 | Quarter-final | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 1980 | Round 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| 1984 | Runners-Up | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 5 |
| 1988 | Round 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| 1992 | Did not qualify | ||||||
| 1996 | Quarter-final | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 3 |
| 2000 | Quarter-final | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 7 |
| 2004 | Round 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Total | 30 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 31 | 32 |
* Matches include Quarterfinals or better from 1960 through 1976 ** Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks *** USSR walk-over after Spain protest and withdrew from game.
[edit] Recent results and forthcoming fixtures
- Friendlies:
- Iceland 0-0 Spain, August 16
- Spain 2-1 Argentina, October 11
- Spain 0-1 Romania, November 15
- England 0-1 Spain, February 7, 2007
- Euro 2008 Qualifying Group F:
- Spain 4-0 Liechtenstein, September 2
- Northern Ireland 3-2 Spain, September 6
- Sweden 2-0 Spain, October 7
- Spain 2-1 Denmark, March 24, 2007
- Spain 1-0 Iceland, March 28
- Latvia v Spain, June 2
- Liechtenstein v Spain, June 6
- Iceland v Spain, September 8
- Spain v Latvia, September 12
- Denmark v Spain, October 13
- Spain v Sweden, November 17
- Spain v Northern Ireland, November 21
[edit] Current squad
The following players named for Euro 2008 qualifying match against Denmark on March 2007 [1].
Caps and goals as of 7 February 2007, included against England.
[edit] Recent call-up
The following players have all recently been called up to the Spain squad. Bracket shows last call-up time.
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- Asier del Horno originally was called up for the World Cup. However, due to an ankle injury suffered in preparation for World Cup, he was replaced by Mariano Pernía on 4 June 2006.[2]
[edit] Previous squads
- 2006 FIFA World Cup squads - Spain
- 2004 European Football Championship squads - Spain
- 2002 FIFA World Cup squads - Spain
- 2000 European Football Championship squads - Spain
- 1998 FIFA World Cup squads - Spain
[edit] Players
[edit] Notable past players
- Paulino Alcántara (also played for the Philippines)
- Amancio Amaro
- Luis Arconada
- Estanislao Basora
- Emilio Butragueño
- José Antonio Camacho
- Alfredo Di Stéfano (also played for Argentina and Colombia)
- Agustín Gaínza
- Francisco Gento
- Rafael Gordillo
- Pep Guardiola
- Fernando Hierro
- José Ángel Iribar
- Ladislao Kubala (also played for Hungary and Czechoslovakia)
- Luis Enrique
- Míchel
- Miguel Ángel Nadal
- Alfonso Pérez Muñoz
- José Martínez "Pirri"
- Ferenc Puskás (also played for Hungary)
- Jacinto Quincoces
- Enrique Castro "Quini"
- Antoni Ramallets
- Luis Regueiro
- Josep Samitier
- José Santamaría (also played for Uruguay)
- Jesús María Satrústegui
- Luis Suarez
- Ricardo Zamora
- Telmo "Zarra"
- Andoni Zubizarreta
[edit] Most capped Spain players
As of February 7, 2007, the ten players with the most caps for Spain are:
| # | Name | Career | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andoni Zubizarreta | 1985-1998 | 126 | 100 (Conceded) |
| 2 | Raúl | 1996- | 102 | 44 |
| 3 | Fernando Hierro | 1989-2002 | 89 | 29 |
| 4 | José Antonio Camacho | 1975-1988 | 81 | 0 |
| 5 | Rafael Gordillo | 1978-1988 | 75 | 3 |
| 6 | Emilio Butragueño | 1984-1992 | 69 | 26 |
| 7 | Luis Arconada | 1977-1985 | 68 | 62 (Conceded) |
| 8 | Íker Casillas | 2000- | 68 | 43 (Conceded) |
| 9 | Míchel | 1985-1992 | 66 | 21 |
| 10 | Luis Enrique | 1991-2002 | 62 | 12 |
| 10 | Miguel Ángel Nadal | 1991-2002 | 62 | 3 |
[edit] Top Spain goalscorers
As of February 7, 2007, the twenty players with the most goals for Spain are:
| # | Player | Career | Goals (Caps) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raúl | 1996- | 44 (102) |
| 2 | Fernando Hierro | 1989-2002 | 29 (89) |
| 3 | Fernando Morientes | 1998- | 27 (47) |
| 4 | Emilio Butragueño | 1984-1992 | 26 (69) |
| 5 | Alfredo Di Stéfano | 1957-1961 | 23 (31) |
| = | Julio Salinas | 1986-1996 | 23 (56) |
| 7 | Míchel | 1985-1992 | 21 (66) |
| 8 | Telmo Zarraonaindía | 1945-1951 | 20 (20) |
| 9 | Isidro Lángara | 1932-1936 | 17 (12) |
| 10 | Luis Regueiro | 1927-1936 | 16 (25) |
| = | Pirri | 1966-1978 | 16 (41) |
| 12 | Santillana | 1975-1985 | 15 (56) |
| 13 | Luis Suárez | 1957-1972 | 14 (32) |
| = | Fernando Torres | 2003- | 14 (40) |
| 15 | Estanislao Basora | 1949-1957 | 13 (22) |
| = | Julen Guerrero | 1993-2000 | 13 (41) |
| 17 | Joseba Etxeberría | 1997-2004 | 12 (53) |
| = | Luis Enrique | 1991-2002 | 12 (62) |
| 19 | Ladislao Kubala | 1953-1961 | 11 (19) |
| = | Alfonso Pérez | 1992-2000 | 11 (38) |
| = | Amancio Amaro | 1962-1974 | 11 (42) |
[edit] Selected Managers
- Francisco Bru, 1920
- Pedro Parages, 1923-1924
- Paulino Alcántara,1951
- Ricardo Zamora, 1952
- Pedro Escartín Morán, 1952-1961
- Helenio Herrera, 1959-1962
- José Villalonga, 1962-1966
- Domingo Balmanya, 1966-1968
- Luis Molowny, 1969
- Miguel Muñoz, 1969, 1982-1988
- Ladislao Kubala, 1969-1980
- José Santamaria, 1980-1982
- Luis Suárez, 1988-1991
- Vicente Miera, 1991-1992
- Javier Clemente, 1992-1998
- José Antonio Camacho, 1998-2002
- Iñaki Sáez, 2002-2004
- Luis Aragonés, 2004-present
- see also List of Spain national football team managers and Cat:Spain national football team managers
[edit] External links
- RFEF site
- Information about the Spain national football team
- RSSSF archive of results 1920-
- RSSSF archive of player records
- The confirmation of Luis Aragonés' preliminary squad
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International football
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2006 FIFA World Cup finalists
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