Winning the 2010 World Cup in South Africa marked the peak of the generation that enchanted world football with the style known as “tiki-taka”. Led by names like Xavi, Iniesta, Casillas and David Villa, Spain reached the top of the planet after years of protagonism in the European Championship.
Since then, however, the Spanish team has found it difficult to repeat the same performance in the World Cup. In the following three editions, Fúria alternated early eliminations, unexpected disappointments and moments of reconstruction.
In 2014, in Brazil, the Spanish arrived as current champions, but were eliminated in the group stage. In 2018, in Russia, they advanced to the knockout stage, but fell in the round of 16. In 2022, in Qatar, they repeated the campaign and said goodbye to the competition again in the first knockout phase.
Next, remember what Spain’s trajectory was like in the last three World Cups.
Early fall in 2014
Spain arrived in Brazil surrounded by expectations. After all, it defended the title won four years earlier and maintained a good part of the world champion and two-time European Cup champion generation.
The debut, however, was a shock. In Salvador, the team opened the scoring against the Netherlands with a penalty goal scored by Xabi Alonso, but suffered a historic turnaround and ended up defeated 5-1. The duel was marked by the inspired performance of Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben.
The situation got worse in the second round. Against Chile, at Maracanã, the Spanish lost 2-0 and were eliminated in the group stage, ending one of the biggest falls of a world champion in the recent history of the tournament.
In the last match, with no chance of qualifying, Spain beat Australia 3-0 and said goodbye to the World Cup in third place in Group B.
Spanish Games in 2014
- Spain 1 x 5 Netherlands
- Spain 0 x 2 Chile
- Australia 0 x 3 Spain
Campaign highlights
Despite their early elimination, names like Andrés Iniesta, Xabi Alonso, David Silva and Iker Casillas still represented the foundation of a historic generation. However, physical wear and tear and late renewal of the squad were evident during the competition.
Elimination for host on penalties in 2018
Spain’s preparation for the Russian Cup was marked by turmoil. Two days before the debut, coach Julen Lopetegui was fired after announcing an agreement with Real Madrid to take over the club after the World Cup.
Fernando Hierro took command of the team in a hurry. Even so, Spain managed to advance at the top of Group B.
On his debut, he played one of the best games of that World Cup, drawing 3-3 with Portugal. Diego Costa scored twice, while Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick.
Afterwards, Spain beat Iran 1-0 and drew with Morocco 2-2, guaranteeing a place in the round of 16.
The opponent was the hosts Russia. The Spanish had ample possession of the ball, but found it difficult to create clear chances. After a 1-1 draw in normal time and extra time, the decision went to penalties.
In the shootout, Russia won 4-3 and eliminated Spain in front of their fans.
Spanish Games in 2018
- Portugal 3 x 3 Spain
- Iran 0 x 1 Spain
- Spain 2 x 2 Morocco
- Spain 1 (3) x (4) 1 Russia
Campaign highlights
Diego Costa was the team’s main offensive name, with three goals. Isco also had good performances and was one of the most praised players in the squad during the competition.
Renewal does not avoid new frustration in 2022
In Qatar, Spain arrived renewed under the command of Luis Enrique. The bet was on a younger generation, led by players like Pedri, Gavi and Ferran Torres.
The debut excited the fans. The team defeated Costa Rica 7-0, recording one of the biggest victories of that edition of the World Cup.
In the second round, they played out a goalless draw with Germany. They then lost to Japan 2-1, but still secured a place in the round of 16 thanks to goal difference.
In the knockout stage, Spain faced Morocco. Despite controlling possession of the ball for much of the match, they were unable to transform their dominance into clear opportunities.
After a 0-0 draw, the decision went to penalties. The Spanish wasted all three kicks they took and ended up eliminated.
Spanish Games in 2022
- Spain 7 x 0 Costa Rica
- Spain 1 x 1 Germany
- Japan 2 x 1 Spain
- Morocco 0 (3) x (0) 0 Spain
Campaign highlights
Gavi became the youngest player to score for Spain in World Cups. Pedri commanded the midfield with impressive maturity, while Ferran Torres finished the tournament as one of the team’s top scorers.
The elimination to Morocco, however, reinforced a recurring criticism of the Spanish team in recent years: the large volume of ball possession does not always convert into offensive efficiency in decisive moments.
