Spain need to Find Spark

Spain have been looking to break records at this summer’s European Championships, but they have failed to light up the competition, despite making it through to the knockout stages.

The defending champions are looking to be the only nation to win back-to-back Euros, and the first to win three consecutive international competitions.

The World Cup winners have made it out of Group C, but questions have been raised, as they have failed to hit previous heights, even though they remain a regular pick for the title in the Bet365 videos, and could come to the boil as Euro 2012 rumbles on.

In their first game against Italy, boss, Vincente del Bosque, raised eyebrows as he chose six midfielders and no strikers, and, as a result, Spain lacked focus in the 1-1 draw, before Fernando Torres came on.

An easy win over Ireland followed - in which Torres scored twice - and then Spain faltered again, as their fate was in the balance for large periods against Croatia; it was not until a late Jesus Navas goal that they could breathe a sigh of relief.

Spain have progressed as group winners and midfielder, Xabi Alonso, reckons that is the most significant thing, as his side look to lift yet another trophy, and write their name in international football history.

"Clearly, the important thing was to advance as group winners,” the Real Madrid man said. “We have achieved great things in the not-so-distant past, but we also struggled a lot; you cannot forget that. If we want to repeat that [success], it'll definitely be another hard task."

There is no doubting Spain’s ability on the ball, but it is their goal-scoring threat that seems to have nullified to some degree at Euro 2012. Torres has scored three but also floundered for large periods. However, Del Bosque’s side are supremely talented, and there is still time for them to find their top form before the end of the competition.

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