Spain had World Cup campaigns to overlook in 2014 and 2018 however the former champions have a chance to rebuild with a new-look crew that has a number of promising kids, defender Cesar Azpilicueta stated on Saturday.
Spain dominated world soccer between 2008 and 2012, profitable the 2010 World Cup and two European championships, however they fell on the group stage of the 2014 World Cup and had been knocked out of the final 16 in Russia 4 years later. The veterans who received the trophy in 2010 have since left, aside from central midfielder Sergio Busquets, with coach Luis Enrique choosing 14 gamers aged 25 or below.
“It’s true that earlier experiences weren’t those we dreamed of. Soccer is giving us a chance with a younger crew,” Azpilicueta, who’s taking part in at his third World Cup, advised reporters forward of their Group E opener in opposition to Costa Rica on Wednesday.
“The massive distinction from the opposite World Cups is that solely Busquets stays from the champions’ crew. We have now to be united, soccer is turning into extra aggressive day by day. We hope to enhance on these experiences.” Azpilicueta highlighted Barcelona midfielder Gavi’s self-confidence after the 18-year-old helped Spain to prime their Nations League group, in addition to Ansu Fati, saying the 20-year-old ahead may make defenders uncomfortable.
“He (Fati) brings quite a bit to the crew. He’s very younger and but he’s daring,” Azpilicueta stated. “He seems to be for openings, creates alternatives… After all now we have gamers with completely different traits and Ansu could be crucial. He’s in nice form.”
Azpilicueta has received each trophy on supply together with his Premier League membership Chelsea and the 33-year-old stated profitable a trophy with Spain can be the icing on the cake in his profession. “I made my Spain debut in 2013 in Qatar in opposition to Uruguay so it might be a great story to win the World Cup right here with a tremendous group,” he stated.
“It’s a match the place we are able to’t make errors, now we have to start out nicely. After all I might love so as to add this trophy to my cupboard.” Spain additionally face Germany and Japan of their group.