Can Spain win this World Cup without reaching the levels they showcased in 2010?

Ahead of their last-16 matchup against hosts Russia, many questions are being asked of this current Spanish squad who are failing to reach the levels that led them to lift the trophy in 2010 but now find themselves in a strong position to reach the final and potentially win the tournament.

Their performance against Morocco epitomised their World Cup so far as it saw them score two wonderful goals but also concede two weak and avoidable goals. In all three group games, the Spaniards showed in moments that they are the strongest team at this tournament but also a team capable of causing a catastrophe as individual mistakes and poor defending saw them top the group with only five points and a goal difference of 1. Making them the weakest amid the group winners. 

In wake of the draw with Morocco, stand-in manager, Fernando Hierro has many calls to make ahead of the tie at the Luzhniki Stadium on Sunday. It is rumored that Atletico Madrid midfielder, Koke will start the match ahead of Thiago who failed to make an impression against Morocco and that De Gea still has Hierro's faith to start in-between the sticks despite his blunders. 

While they are continuing to score goals in typical Spanish fashion with the majority of their goals coming from ticky-taca passes, they are also conceding goals in untypical Spanish fashion. De Gea has already picked the ball out of his net six times, the most by any other team who find themselves in the last-16. Many have questions about the center-back pairing of Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramous, with both being veterans of rival clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona, they had differing opinions on the exit of ex-manager Julen Lopetegui. Ramos criticised the Spanish Football Association for sacking him a day before the opening game for his pre-agreement to join Real Madrid. Pique, on the other hand, said it was the right decision. 

Only two teams since 1958 - Brazil (1970) and Argentina (1986) -  have won the tournament by conceding more than one goal in the knockout stages, Hierro knows that sealing up the holes in his defense will be key to reaching the final. Spain themselves only conceded two goals in their 2010 triumph so only have themselves as an example of how defensive competence is key to winning the World Cup. 

Despite their inconsistency and growing internal problems, Spain will be going into the knockout stages being 2^ndfavourites to win the tournament. This is primarily due to them being in the weaker half of the draw with England being their only dangerous opponents if they were to meet in the semi-finals.

Due to this fact, many are expecting Spain to be in the final come July 15^th as there is an international belief that they will grow into the tournament. With no doubt, the Spainairds will be expected to beat host’s Russia with little trouble whether they produce their best or not. 

Not many things have gone to plan for Spain so far in this tournament. But this may have now played into their hands as it has manufactured a pathway to glory which leaves them feeling confident that they can transform this false start into a podium finish.