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Amidst all the drama surrounding Julen Lopetegui's exit and Fernando Hierro's subsequent appointment, the ultimate agenda within the Spanish camp will be to shrug off the distraction and focus solely on producing a stellar WC 2018 campaign.
The Spaniards will look to put in their best in a bid to win their second World Cup trophy, having lifted it just once in 2010. Fernando Hierro has plenty of potential to choose from as the side consists of some supremely talented, albeit relatively inexperienced, players.
While the average age of the squad is 28 years and 178 days, the total number of World Cup goals scored by the players in the side is just 2. Further, teams like Iran and Costa Rica have scored more international goals than this Spanish squad.
Notably, this will certainly be Andres Iniesta's last ever World Cup and the veteran would like nothing more than to bow out in the best way possible - by winning world football's most coveted trophy.
Spain have been grouped alongside Portugal, Iran and Morocco in Group B - One that they are expected to comfortably get through. Their real test, however, will come in the knockout stages.
On that note, here is a look at 5 players who could help Spain win the 2018 FIFA World Cup:
#5 Diego Costa
After being frozen out of the Chelsea squad by Antonio Conte for the first half of the season, Diego Costa completed a move back to Atletico Madrid in January. Since then, he has seemed to be on track to return to his best.
Since moving back to Spain, Costa has played 23 games across all competitions, scoring 7 goals and assisting 4 more.
On the international stage, Costa has made 18 appearances for La Furia Roja since 2014 and has scored 7 goals. The brutish striker is expected to lead the front line at the World Cup and Spanish supporters will hope that he can peak at the right time.
The 29-year-old has been surrounded by controversies his entire career and he will be aware that a good performance at the World Cup could silence his critics for good. If Diego Costa can make his presence felt, expect Spain to mount a legitimate challenge to claim the World Cup.
#4 Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos is the Spanish squad's most experienced player, having played in 13 World Cup matches so far in his career. Further, he is the captain of the side and will try to lead from the front.
The 32-year-old has just won his 3rd consecutive UEFA Champions League title with Real Madrid and will be extremely high on confidence. A bulwark at the back, Ramos will play alongside Gerard Pique at the centre of Spain's defence, forming one of the most intimidating defensive partnerships.
Ramos is widely recognised as one of the best defenders in the world and has made a staggering total of 151 appearances for the national side. If Spain are to stand a chance at winning the World Cup, a lot will depend on Sergio Ramos' solidity at the back.
#3 David de Gea
Arguably the best goalkeeper in the world, David de Gea will be the chosen one to guard the sticks for Spain in their bid to World Cup glory. Now, that's something that is bound to instil confidence within Spanish ranks as the 27-year-old has established himself as the best possible candidate over the past few years.
Plying his trade for Premier League side, Manchester United, David de Gea has developed into an impermeable force in front of goal and even won the Premier League Golden Glove in the 2017-18 season.
He has made just 29 appearances for Spain and will be itching to make a mark at the World Cup and officially seal the debate over who the best goalkeeper in the world is.
With the pair of Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique guarding him, de Gea isn't expected to have a torrid time at the World Cup, and if he can manage to replicate his solidity with Manchester United, Spain might just go the whole mile.
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#2 Isco
Isco is easily one of La Furia Roja's most talented footballer and a lot could ride on his performance at the World Cup. Having established himself as a key member of the side at Real Madrid, Isco will be determined to do his best for his national side this month.
Like Ramos, Isco too is entering the World Cup on the back of a third consecutive UEFA Champions League title and will be high on confidence. This past season, the attacking midfielder scored 8 goals and assisted 9 more.
His creativity in midfield will be a crucial factor if Spain are to succeed, and such is the significance of the 26-year-old, that many have touted him to win the Golden Ball at the end of the tournament.
On the international stage, Isco has only made 26 appearances for Spain but has scored 10 goals in those matches. Devoid of a permanent spot as a result of Zidane's rotational policy so far, Isco will hope to make the World Cup his own and take his game to the next level.
#1 Andres Iniesta
Apart from Sergio Ramos, Andres Iniesta is the only other Spanish player on this list who has previously tasted World Cup glory, winning it in 2010. Now aged 34, this is bound to be Iniesta's last World Cup and you can definitely expect him to give it his all.
The midfield maestro has been one of Barcelona's and Spain's most significant players in the past decade and for good reason. Iniesta has won a total of 37 major trophies in his career, with 5 of them coming with the Spanish national team.
Iniesta is a bundle of experience and will have to be the guiding figure if Spain are to taste glory again. His vision and passing ability is what Spain will depend on if they are to successfully break open defences.
On the international stage, the veteran has made 124 appearances and his experience could make a world of difference for this otherwise fairly inexperienced side. Iniesta has enjoyed an excellent career so far and will certainly look to add another World Cup to his trophy cabinet before bowing out from national duty.
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