Defending World Cup champions Spain have already made history by becoming the first international team to win three consecutive major tournaments. In 2014 in Brazil, they will attempt to make further history by continuing the unprecedented success of their golden generation. La Roja will try to become the first nation to win back to back World Cups since Brazil achieved the feat in 1958 and 1962.

Spain are still overflowing with talent and will certainly have to leave many players home that could start for other nations. Players like Xavi, Iniesta, and David Villa might be past their best, but younger players like Cesc Fàbregas, Juan Mata, and Sergio Busquets will have their chance to shine. Then there is the wild card, Diego Costa. Overlooked by Luiz Felipe Scolari, Costa could make Brazil regret not trusting in him earlier, while in the process turn himself into an outcast in the nation of his birth.

Best Possible Group: Algeria, Iran, Greece
 

Algeria look to be the weakest of Pot 2, and Spain should not have a problem playing their possession game and dispatching of the African side.

Iran can be thankful that they made it to the biggest stage, but they would be utterly outclassed by Spain. We could see some high scoring performances for La Roja in these matches.

Greece could make things difficult by parking the bus against Spain, but with all the quality European sides in Pot 4, they probably pose the least threat to the defending champions.

Worst Possible Group: Ghana, Japan, Italy
 

In the Confederations Cup, Brazil proved that the formula for beating Spain is a fast, physical, and technically proficient side. Ghana are not quite Brazil, but the Black Stars have the combination of athleticism and skill that can give Spain fits.  

Japan are another technical side with plenty of goalscoring threat. Despite their relatively low FIFA ranking, the are probably the most dangerous side in Pot 3. They have proven they can play with anyone, having drawn with Netherlands and beaten Belgium in their last two matches.

Italy haven’t quite been able to get the better of Spain in the past several competitive meetings between these two European powers, but the Azzurri might be due in 2014. There a number of strong sides waiting in Pot 4, but Italy are certainly one that La Roja would like to avoid.

Final Verdict: Even if they are drawn the worst possible group, Spain should be able to navigate the opening stages and advance to the knockout rounds. From there, though, it is anyone’s guess. La Roja certainly have the talent to go all the way, but they could be upset by a younger, hungrier side such as Colombia or Belgium. Then there are the giants like Argentina, Germany, and Brazil who will want nothing more than to eliminate the most recent winners. Anything less than a semifinal berth would be a disappointment for Spain, but they cannot be considered favorites on Brazil’s home turf.

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About the author
Sean DiSesa
Real Madrid and Spain, Georgetown Hoyas Basketball, New York sports, US Soccer. Also contribute to Bloomberg Sports StatsInsights and Sofa Football. Find me on Twitter @SeanDiSesa.