Euro 12: Spain's 4 Most Important Attacking Players

Spain didn't have the best of luck in their UEFA Euro 2012 opener against Italy, playing to a 1-1 draw. They now have to play well in order to continue their hopes of winning a second consecutive European Championship.

Spain sit in a tie for second place in Group C with Italy at one point, while Croatia sit atop the group with three points. Spain will take on the Republic of Ireland and then Croatia to determine their futures.

In order to advance past the group stage of the tournament, Spain will need the best out of their role players. There's no doubt that they're a talented group but they have to play better going forward. 

Here are four x-factors that have propelled the Spanish attack and will be key players in their remaining two games of group play.

Cesc Fábregas

Cesc Fábregas scored the lone goal for Spain in their opener against Italy. He was later replaced by Fernando Torres, who had his issues shooting late in the match.

Fábregas didn’t start the match as well as he could’ve but that might have been just early nerves. Fábregas had three shots in the match and was one of the surprises for Spain. He will have to get his shots on net going forward if he’s going to be playing forward, as he did against Italy.

It’ll be interesting to see if Spain coach Vicente del Bosque starts him at forward again or if he starts at all. If he does start, he’ll have to play well as Spain’s future in this tournament is on the line.

Andrés Iniesta

Andrés Iniesta played a big role in the draw against Italy, taking five shots and nearly scoring towards the end of the first half.

B/R featured columnist Xoel Cardenas thinks that Iniesta had one of his best games and was making the Italians nervous.

"

"The Italian defenders were constantly worried about Iniesta, and it was his great play that lead the offensive opportunities along with Xavi setting up plays."

"

For Spain to play well, Iniesta has to play well. He needs to take good shots, make smart passes and make good plays on defense in order for Spain to win against Ireland and Croatia. 

Xavi Hernández

Xavi is arguably the biggest x-factor for Spain's attack. The team relies on him to make big plays in big spots. He had two shots in the Italy match but missed a great opportunity to score on a free kick.

I expect the defenses of Ireland and Croatia to put a big emphasis on locking down Xavi. That being said, he'll need the help of his teammates to win those games. Xavi will have to make precise passes that can setup players like Fábregas or Torres so that they can put the ball in the net.

The most important thing for Xavi to remember is that he can't look to be the star on every play. He shouldn't look to put the team on his back like he did against Italy. He has to let other players step up and just aid them. If he tries to do too much for the Spanish attack, it could backfire.

David Silva

B/R World Football Lead Blogger Michael Cummings ranked Spain tied for first in the opening power rankings and some of that had to do with Spain's midfield. One of Spain's most important attackers is David Silva and he showed why against Italy.

He played great throughout the game, especially in the first half, but was later replaced in the second half. He had two shots but his biggest contribution was setting up Fábregas for Spain's lone goal.

Silva played hard and will need to continue that work ethic throughout the remainder of group play against Ireland and Croatia. Both upcoming opponents will look to pressure Silva, which could be good or bad for Spain. He could overpower them and make a great play or falter and possibly cost Spain the match.

If he can continue to setup goals, Spain is definitely in good position going forward.