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Euro 2012 Preview: Spain

Euro 2012 Preview: Spain
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Defending champions Spain head into Euro 2012 as hot favourites to retain their title. Here, Sports Mole assesses their chances of making it three major trophies in a row.

It will come as little surprise that Spain are rated as favourites to win Euro 2012 this summer.

The Reds head into the competition not only as defending champions, but also the winners of the last World Cup in South Africa.

While Vicente Del Bosque's squad is littered with a number of the world's finest players, it may be worth noting that they will be without the experienced Barcelona duo of Carles Puyol and David Villa through injury.

Group: C

Manager: Vicente Del Bosque - The former Real Madrid coach has taken charge of Spain in two major tournaments, both of which his nation have won. It is believed that he is so popular with the squad that they convinced him to extend his contract recently.

Players to watch:

Andres Iniesta: Regarding as one of the most creative footballers in the world, Iniesta also has an eye for goal.

Fernando Llorente: With Villa's absence and a worrying lack of goals from Fernando Torres, many expect Athletic Bilbao's Llorente to lead the line for Spain.

Sergio Ramos: Real Madrid's Ramos is expected to move from right-back to centre-back for the tournament. Having done so on numerous occasions for Madrid this season, the 26-year-old should adapt easily.

Previous Best: Winners, 2008

Sports Mole's prediction for Euro 2012: Runners-up

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