Spain stands on the precipice of a second World Cup triumph, with the current squad reaching the tournament's final 16 years after the nation's first victory. The team led by Luis de la Fuente will face their final opponent on Sunday, July 19, aiming to emulate the achievement of the 2010 golden generation.
Parallels exist between the two squads, notably their pre-World Cup success. Both teams entered their respective tournaments as European champions, having won the continental competition two years prior. In 2010, only three of the starting XI had not participated in the 2008 Euros. Similarly, only two players who started Spain's semi-final match against France were not part of the squad that won the European Championship in 2024.
Despite an older average age of 27.8 years compared to the 26.7 average of the 2010 squad, the current players possess less international experience, averaging 33 caps each, significantly fewer than the 56 caps averaged by the 2010 team.
This current Spanish side has demonstrated remarkable defensive solidity, becoming the first team to record six clean sheets in a single World Cup. Their impressive 37-match unbeaten streak, which matches Italy's world record, is notable, though it does include a penalty shootout loss to Portugal in the Nations League final last year. Prior to this tournament run, Spain had not won a knockout stage match in a World Cup since their 2010 victory.
The 2010 Spanish squad featured a roster of well-established stars who secured a dramatic extra-time victory over the Netherlands. Key figures from that era included Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, and Iker Casillas, who were instrumental in Spain's dominance. The current team, while perhaps featuring less globally recognized names, has proven equally efficient on their path to the final.
Spain's journey to the final has been characterized by strong performances and a cohesive team effort, reflecting the continuity from their continental success. The team's ability to maintain such a long unbeaten run underscores their consistency and tactical discipline as they seek to replicate the historic achievement of 2010.