BARCELONA - An all-conquering Spain side were on the crest of a wave last time they faced Germany on the way to winning the 2010 World Cup but they now meet today in what will be a stern test for a new fledgling team.
The indefatigable Carles Puyol scored the only goal in the semifinal in South Africa but he is now retired while other stalwarts of a golden team that also won Euro 2008 and 2012 such as Xavi, Xabi Alonso and David Villa have also left La Roja.
Instead, coach Vicente del Bosque has put the building blocks in place for a new Spain side following the failure at the Brazil World Cup to progress from the group stage.
The team that will take on Germany, who replaced them as world champions, in Vigo is not yet the finished article but there are positive signs.
In Euro 2016 qualifying, they are in second place with nine points from four games, having lost to leaders Slovakia but there was plenty of sparkle as they beat Belarus 3-0 on Saturday.
"You have to be optimistic. It is difficult to have players again at the level of Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Villa or Fernando Torres but they will be ready soon," Del Bosque said.
"I think we are close to achieving it. The players that we have are good and well taught."
Del Bosque 'optimistic' as he rebuilds Spain
BARCELONA - An all-conquering Spain side were on the crest of a wave last time they faced Germany on the way to winning the 2010 World Cup but they now meet today in what will be a stern test for a new fledgling team.
The indefatigable Carles Puyol scored the only goal in the semifinal in South Africa but he is now retired while other stalwarts of a golden team that also won Euro 2008 and 2012 such as Xavi, Xabi Alonso and David Villa have also left La Roja.
Instead, coach Vicente del Bosque has put the building blocks in place for a new Spain side following the failure at the Brazil World Cup to progress from the group stage.
The team that will take on Germany, who replaced them as world champions, in Vigo is not yet the finished article but there are positive signs.
In Euro 2016 qualifying, they are in second place with nine points from four games, having lost to leaders Slovakia but there was plenty of sparkle as they beat Belarus 3-0 on Saturday.
"You have to be optimistic. It is difficult to have players again at the level of Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Villa or Fernando Torres but they will be ready soon," Del Bosque said.
"I think we are close to achieving it. The players that we have are good and well taught."
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