Has Spain replaced Brazil as the kings of football?

Are the days of footballers from Brazil and Argentina dominating world football numbered? It seems to be the case, as the FIFA Ballon d’Or nominees list suggests, with seven Spanish players dominating the list namely Sergio Busquets, Iker Casillas, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso and Xavi Hernandez. Spain are also the number one team in the world according to FIFA rankings. The nominee list contains the names of 23 footballers from around the world, out of which one would be awarded with the elusive FIFA Ballon d’Or award. Messi and Ronaldo are the overall favourites for the title.

The Spanish team has been hugely successful with a number of quality players at their disposal. They have some of the best defenders in the world such as Carlos Puyol and Gerard Pique, midfielders like Xavi and Iniesta and strikers like Torres and Villa. There is not a single position that has been left uncovered, as they have an embarrassment of riches in all positions. It’s no wonder that the Spanish team has won the three most prestigious tournaments that have been played of late, including the 2008 and 2012 European Championships as well as the 2010 World Cup.

It is not only that they have world-class stars in their line-up to showcase their skills, but it is their style of play that has caught the attention of the rest of the world. They are dominating world football with their tiki-taka style and its roots lie in the Barcelona Football Club, which has just made the game look more beautiful. Around 70-80 percent of the Spanish football team players play for either Real Madrid or Barcelona, so they have a good understanding, which is reflected in the way they play their game against any team in the world. It is a feast for the eyes.

Spain have established themselves as the number one team in the world, but their real test lies ahead when they play some more major tournaments. Other nations would try to play their best against them and register a victory. They would be tagged as favourites when they play, so they are going to be the team to beat. Sometimes, the Spanish team would also come under pressure, and it is at this juncture that their team would be tested to the core – the time when the men are separated from the boys.

If they want to be known as one of the best football playing nations of all time, they need to be consistent in the near future as well- the way Brazil did in the past. It is not only for a period of 5-10 years that Brazil and Argentina excelled in the game, but ruled the sport for decades. It is only now that they have seen a dip in rankings(as per FIFA rankings, Brazil is ranked 14), which has given a chance for underachievers of the past, like Spain, to come up and hold a superior position in world football.

There are positive signs for Spain, as the current Spanish team has a good mix of youth and experience. Several other youngsters are also waiting on the wings to perform at the highest level. It is this strong competition for places in the Spanish team, which has brought them huge success of late. But they should always be on the constant lookout to improve as a team. Other nations will just be waiting for Spain’s form to dip, so that they can take over the reigns of world football, just the way Spain took advantage over Brazil’s downward spiral.