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Everyone remembers what happened in the final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. That classic Andres Iniesta goal was enough to settle an intense game that granted Spain the coveted trophy.
After failing to defend the World Cup in 2014, the European giants are back in the tournament once again. This time, they are considered one of the favorites to win the competition due to the presence of amazing superstars in the squad.
They have also been really impressive in recent months, putting up brilliant performances against the likes of Argentina, Germany, and Switzerland in friendlies.
With plenty of quality in all areas of the pitch, we take a look at 3 ways Julen Lopetegui can arrange his men to win the prestigious tournament in Russia this year.
#3 The 4-1-2-3 formation
Starting from the back, Gerrard Pique and Sergio Ramos will make a decent combination in the center of the defense. Both men are rock-solid and efficient in the air. While Dani Carvajal occupies the right-back position, Jordi Alba should also be deployed on the left.
Barcelona superstar, Sergio Busquets should start in front of the defense, with Iniesta to his left and Koke to his right.
Iniesta will control the game and create chances for the attackers to score while Sergio Busquets will anchor the midfield and Koke will introduce compactness and physicality into the middle of the pitch.
Isco is currently the brightest attacker in the squad, therefore he should lead the offensive line, penetrating defenses from the left flank.
Marco Asensio is in the form of his life at the moment. The youngster should be deployed on the right wing while Atletico Madrid hit-man, Diego Costa should continue with his striking role.
#2 The 4-3-3 formation
Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and Dani Carvajal remain the best options for Julen Lopetegui to field in a strong defense at the World Cup. Therefore, these superstars should maintain their respective positions at the back.
Once again, Sergio Busquets should feature as a defensive midfielder ahead of the back-four. Moving a bit forward, a little tweak will be introduced, with Iniesta making way for David Silva and Bayern Munich's Thiago Alcantara replacing Koke on the right.
Up front, Isco should continue attacking from the left and Marca Asensio from the right. Former Chelsea striker, Diego Costa should also maintain his position as the number 9.
#1 The 4-4-2 formation
Maintaining the back four mentioned in the first slide, Julen Lopetegui can also field another efficient line up for the World Cup by adopting the popular 4-4-2 formation.
Regarded by many as a balanced and effective layout, the 4-4-2 could end up being the ultimate solution to the manager's selection headache in the tournament this year.
In this system, Sergio Busquets and Koke should be paired in the defensive midfield, with Real Madrid's Lucas Vazquez occupying the right flank. Once again, Isco should be deployed on the left wing, with the freedom to roam about in the offensive areas.
Since two attackers will be needed forward, Celta Vigo superstar, Iago Aspas should join Diego Costa up front, functioning as a supporting striker to the Atletico Madrid sharpshooter.
