Spain Euro 2012 Squad: Analyzing 3 Possible Starting Lineups to Face Italy

According to reports from ITV, Vicente Del Bosque announced Spain's 23-man squad on the morning of May 27, 2012. It appears as reported by the Spanish magazine ABC that most that were selected participated in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Spain, Italy, Croatia, and the Republic of Ireland belong to Group C of the UEFA Euro 2012 Championship. The first match for Group C is between Spain and Italy on June 10, 2012. at the Gdansk Arena in Poland.

The purpose is to discuss three possible lineups for the match against Italy. Before discussing possible lineups against Italy, it is important to remember the 23-man squad.

Goalkeeper:

Iker Casillas, Victor Valdes, and Pepe Reina

Defenders:

Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Raul Albiol, Alvaro Arbeloa, Javi Martinez, and Juanfran

Midfielders:

Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, and Santi Cazorla

Forwards:

David Silva, Fernando Torres, Juan Mata, Fernando Llorente, Jesus Navas, Alvaro Negredo, and Pedro

It should be remembered that according to the You Tube Video: "NSCAA Soccer: Systems of Play: The 4-4-2", the players are the ones who determine the outcome of a match. The formations selected by the team have nothing to do with victory or defeat.

An invitation is made for the viewer to sit back, relax, and view the slideshow.

4-5-1 Formation

One of the starting lineups or formations that can be used is the 4-5-1.

The 4-5-1 formation consists of four defenders, five midfielders, and one forward. According to BBC Sports, the following formation is used protection of the defense and maintaining possession of the match.

The 4-5-1 formation is also used by teams for matches which can be difficult. The team with this formation may switch to another formation in order to score.

Jose Mourinho (according to BBC Sports) would use 4-5-1 and then switch to 4-3-3 during his period as manager of Chelsea. How will the 4-5-1 formation be used by the Spanish National Football Team?

The answer is the following:

Goalkeeper:

Iker Casillas

Defense: 4

Jordi Alba - Gerard Pique - Raul Albiol - Alvaro Arbeloa

Midfield: 5

Santi Cazorla - Xabi Alonso - Andres Iniesta - Javi Martinez - Xavi

Forward: 1

Juan Mata

Another starting matchup could be

4-4-2 Formation

The 4-4-2 Formation consists of four defenders, four midfielders, and two forwards. According to BBC Sports, the advantage of this formation is the ability of two central midfielders to be on the defensive side of a match.

It can also help the forwards go into an attack mode against the opposing team. If Spain were to use this formation in its match against Italy, the following would ensue:

Goalkeeper:

Iker Casillas

Defense: 4

Jordi Alba - Sergio Ramos - Gerard Pique - Alvaro Arbeloa

Midfield: 4

Santi Cazorla - Xabi Alonso - Andres Iniesta - Javi Martinez

Forward: 2

Fernando Llorente - Juan Mata

4-3-3 Formation

The 4-3-3 formation is another possibility for Spain in Euro 2012. It consists of four defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards.

It has been used by FC Barcelona under Pep Guardiola and Arsenal under Arsene Wenger. The reason (according to Stewart Coggin of About.com) is to go on the offensive with the intention of victory.

The 4-3-3 Formation for Spain would be as follows:

Goalkeeper:

Iker Casillas

Defense:

Jordi Alba - Sergio Ramos - Gerard Pique - Alvaro Arbeloa

Midfield:

Santi Cazorla - Xabi Alonso - Andres Iniesta

Forward:

Fernando Llorente - Juan Mata - David Silva

Conclusion

It is hoped that the readers enjoyed the slideshow as much as I did doing it. These are possible options based on personal opinion.

I want to thank you for taking the time to look at the slideshow. An invitation is sent to the people to enjoy the music of Rumba Tres and their 1988 hit "Rumbamania" which reveals the essence of Spain as well as its heart and soul.

Until next time and VIVA ESPA~NA!!!!!!