The Favourites · Nation to Glory
Take Spain to Glory
“midfield hoarders”
The press pack calls Spain a country that passes you into submission, and files them as midfield hoarders. The bookmakers put them in the favourites at 6/1 – 12/1.
▶ Play as Spain
- The bookmakers
- The Favourites — 6/1 – 12/1
- The federation's target
- The semi-finals, minimum
- Your spine, as your predecessor's notes describe it
- In goal, Casillas, but he shouts at people. At the back, Puyol, but he owns a comb. Running midfield, Xavi, but he occasionally shoots. Up front, Raúl, but louder.
One World Cup, forty-odd decisions, no second leg. Pick the shape, name the squad, make the calls from the touchline, and see how far Spain can go. Free to play, one sitting, no sign-up.
▶ Play as Spain
The Favourites · 6/1 – 12/1
The Contenders · 16/1 – 40/1
The Dark Horses · 66/1 – 150/1
The Outsiders · 250/1 – 500/1
The Improbables · 1000/1 and drifting