Next year is a World Cup year, the competition is due to be held in Brazil during the summer of 2014.  Spain currently hold the title of World Cup champions after winning the last competition three years ago in South Africa, they are also reigning winners of the European competition winning both Euro 2008, and Euro 2012.  The Spanish national team is the only team to have won three consecutive European or World Cup titles. The question on every football fans lips is 'Can Spain win again in Brazil?' The qualifying stages for next years World Cup take place later this year, the players in the Spain shirts have been drawn in group one and will compete against France, Belarus, Georgia and Finland for a place in the competition finals in Brazil.

It is only since their victory in Euro 2008 that the Spanish national side has been a footballing force that other sides may be threatened by, previously the team had not won the European competition since 1964, and prior to 2010 they had never had the honour of winning the World Cup.  This is undoubtedly down to the strength and talent of the players that Vincente Del Bosque the Spanish coach has to choose from.  Looking at the squad list it is startling to see the choice available, a high majority of the players play for Barcelona or Real Madrid both extremely popular and successful La Liga teams, in addition to these there is a scattering of Premier League players and a single Bundesliga player Martinez who's current league team are the Champions League title holders Bayern Munich.  With names such as Iker Cassilas, Sergio Ramos, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and Fernando Torres the strength of this national side will surely be a concern for many of the other teams competing for the World Cup title.

In football history arguably the greatest ever side was the Brazil team that won the 1970 World Cup. Some commentators have honoured the Spanish national team by favourably comparing them to this great Brazilian side, and have questioned whether on balance the team in the current Spain shirts are actually better.  Pele one of the greatest and most memorable players in footballing history and part of this 1970 winning side has been more critical stating that the side he played in was made up of great players, and that in comparison Spain rely on a few outstanding players, many would say Pele's comments are unjust and unreasonable.   Other teams in contention for the title of greatest team may include the often forgotten Brazilian team of 1958, the World Cup was not televised internationally until 1970 which is why this team is usually ranked above the 58 team.  The only other comparable side is the French team that won the World Cup in 1998, and the Euro 2000 competition.  If Spain go on to lift a second successive World Cup next year in Brazil it will become increasingly difficult to argue the case against them being the greatest ever football team.

What do you think are the strengths of the current Spanish football team?

Who do you think will win the 2014 World Cup?

Buy your Spain Shirts from Soccerbox today and get ready to show your support during the World Cup.