The squad relies on a core of players from FC Barcelona who have been playing together for a long time. Spain on Sunday July 11, won the World Cup for the first time in history narrowly edging a defiant Netherlands side 1-0 to grab the 19th edition of the trophy. After a defeat against Switzerland on the first day of play, La Roja metamorphosed to line up six victories to put them on top of the world. This extra ordinary performance leads one to question what stuff or mettle champions are made of.

At first sight, one witnesses that the Spain squad relies on a core of players from FC Barcelona ‘eight of them in number) who have been used to high level football and playing together for a long time. Though blessed with a crop of sheer talents, Spain’s success can be attributed to maturity, resilience and the ability to overcome adversity. The Iberians did not rest on the laurels after their UEFA EURO 2008 victory, consistently bringing in new faces without renouncing their commitment to attractive short-passing football. Vicente Del Bosque took over where former coach, Luis Aragones left off after the EURO 2008 triumph, keeping the same football philosophy and core of players which dazzled the continent that summer. Del Bosque continued Aragones' faith in the one-touch style that has traditionally characterised Spain's play and which relies upon midfielders of the highest quality. Most of the players are already accustomed to this play-style given that it is similar to one practiced in FC Barcelona from where most of the players come.

This generation of highly talented players is the fruit of work done by the Spain football federation, setting up football academies and establishing one of the best championships on the European continent which now serve as a nursery for both Spanish clubs and the national team. Despite being conscious that he had a formidable team for the World Cup, the Spanish were humble and had profound respect for their opponents in the tournament, as illustrated in the declarations of the coach before the beginning of the competition. “We've got good players and a well-oiled team, but there are some very strong sides out there. Our aim is to challenge for the next World Cup but we know how difficult it is. We're not the favourites but we are among the hopefuls," he said. Their humbleness and determination took them to the top of the firmament of world football.