UEFA Euro 12: Why Spain Are Virtual Locks to Repeat as Champs

Brace yourselves for a familiar scene, because the Spaniards will be lifting the Henri Delaunay Trophy at Euro 2012.

The supremely creative Spanish side are bringing the most firepower into this tournament, even without world-class striker David Villa. With Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Cesc Fabregas and David Silva performing surgery in the midfield, Spain's relentless and fluid attack is the best offensive weapon in football. 

In their opening game of the group stage, they also received a surprising yet necessary boost—they almost lost.

Italy played Spain to a 1-1 draw on Sunday, with Antonio Cassano, Andrea Pirlo and Antonio Di Natale nearly leading their squad to an upset.

Cassano was brilliant throughout, aggressively attacking the net and creating a host of chances. And after enigmatic striker Mario Balottelli squandered a gift from Sergio Ramos, Pirlo and the substitute Di Natale connected on this gorgeous goal in the 61st minute.

It was a quick and legitimate scare for Spain, and it couldn't have come at a better time.

When you win consecutive major tournaments and blaze through your international friendlies, it's only natural to get a bit complacent.

However, the Spaniards had to be reminded immediately that they will not coast through this tournament. They are playing the finest teams Europe has to offer, not Venezuela and South Korea. Stagnant and uninspired play won't get the job done.

They received the wake up call from the Italians, and responded in vintage Spanish fashion.

Just three minutes after the Italians scored, Iniesta fed the ball to Silva as Fabregas cut at a 45-degree angle through the box. Silva then made a clever flick with his left foot and Fabregas blasted the ball past Gianluigi Buffon.

That play was a textbook example of how champions should respond to adversity, and it showed the true heart of this Spanish side.

They struggled against a quality team, but when their backs were against the wall, they were reminded of what made them so great in the first place. With the beautiful and aggressive move, they proved that they can strike at any time and they won't wilt under intense pressure.

Spain sent a message with this performance, and you can bet it was received by fellow top contenders Germany and the Netherlands. Of course, the Spaniards can't afford silly mistakes against teams of that level, but as the stakes get higher, I doubt they will succumb to such mental lapses.

All in all, it was a near perfect outcome for Spain.

Sure, the three points would have been nice. And yes, Fernando Torres needs to escape from the depths of his own mind before Spain can be at full strength. But the Spaniards needed a reminder that their best will be necessary at Euro 2012, and they received it in the opening match.

Now, I'm expecting nothing less than four goals and six points between their next two games against Ireland and Croatia.

If they can do that, they will build plenty of momentum heading into the knockout rounds, where their experience, depth and talent will make them the most dangerous team alive.