Euro 2012: Spain Will Have a Tough Time Retaining European Title

After winning Euro 2008 and capturing the World Cup in 2010, Spain is the unquestioned favorite headed into Euro Cup 2012...right?

Well, not so fast. You have Netherlands and Germany, who placed second and third respectively in the last World Cup, and a host of other contenders, including England, Italy, France and Portugal. All of these teams have excellent players capable of swinging momentum.

There's also the fact that soccer is never completely predictable. Like any other sport, you can be a favorite and still lose—even to a less superior team.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said, via Reuters India, "In these relatively short championships it can happen that any country comes into form and wins it, as happened with Greece in Portugal in 2004."

Indeed, several contenders have the ability to topple Spain if they raise their games at the right time. As dominant as Spain has been on the international stage, they aren't unstoppable—nor are they invincible. They are a powerhouse, but they can indeed be beat.

It must be said the England beat Spain 1-0 in their international friendly in November. Yes, it was a friendly and, yes, there were several fringe players involved, but Spain was expected to win that match. England is capable of knocking off the reigning champions.

There's also the fact that David Villa is recovering from a broken leg. His absence in Poland and Ukraine—or even a subpar performance due to poor fitness—could change things in a hurry.

Villa was a hero for Spain in Euro 2008 and the World Cup. Without his goals, Spain wouldn't have won either tournament.

And don't forget what's happened to Fernando Torres at Chelsea. It's been an astounding loss of form for the 28-year-old since he joined the Blues. He isn't playing at nearly the same level as he did during Spain's run. 

Of course, you still have to call Spain the favorites, if only for their spectacular midfield, which includes Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, David Silva and Xavi.

Nonetheless, this year's Euro Cup figures to be far more challenging for the Spaniards.