There have been varying shades of red emblematic of Spain in recent years.
Drained from triple triumphs in 2008, 2010 and 2012, Brazil brought out a pale portrayal with the sombre tone one of an era ending.
A crimson rage inevitably followed but boss Vicente Del Bosque persevered until their Euro 2016 last-16 exit to Italy.
Julen Lopetegui was headed for Wolves until his country called and his succession was met with a lukewarm reception.
But the former Porto boss has revamped Spain, splashing his side with youthful exuberance through the likes of Isco, Marco Asensio and Saul Niguez while maintaining an experienced core with Andres Iniesta, Sergio Ramos and Sergio Busquets.
They were expected to struggle in qualifying but breezed through to top a group containing Italy with nine wins and one draw.
A marriage of intense pressing and clinical finishing has already resulted in full-throttle performances to rip apart Argentina 6-1 and they are in ominous form heading to Russia.
Largely bolted to a 4-3-3, David De Gea arrives as arguably the world’s best goalkeeper while in front of him the formidable but contrasting pairing of Gerard Pique and Ramos remains tighter than ever.
In Jordi Alba and Dani Carvajal, Lopetegui possesses flying full-backs while the midfield is quintessentially La Furia Roja.
Iniesta is likely embarking on his final tournament in a Spain shirt but is still so sharp.
His former Barcelona teammate Busquets, as ever, has been a master of tempo this season while Isco has been mystifying for Real Madrid but mesmeric for Spain.
The only real question mark is who operates at No9 with Alvaro Morata’s indifferent form for Chelsea seeing him miss the plane.
Diego Costa has been in fine form for Atletico Madrid this season but he doesn’t link up well enough for the fluidity of Spain’s attack.
Don’t be surprised if Iago Aspas and Rodrigo are afforded chances.
Still, Lopetegui has talent and ability from 1-23 and there is genuine optimism in Spain for a red rising, one which will banish the memories of four years ago and draw upon the success of South Africa in 2010.
KEY PLAYER
Isco
Andres Iniesta is arguable the greatest midfielder Spain have ever produced and while the 33-year-old will still be integral, it is Isco’s dancing feet which will make this side beat. Indifferent with Real Madrid, the playmaker comes to life with Spain, displaying immaculate form.
COACH
Julen Lopetegui
The former Porto boss has injected renewed vigour in the aftermath of Vicente Del Bosque’s demise two years ago. Received a tepid reception when appointed but his soothing presence inspired an 18-game unbeaten run.
CAPTAIN
Sergio Ramos
A formidable competitor and an inspirational leader, Ramos has over 150 caps for his country and remains Lopetegui’s most trusted on-pitch commander despite the Real Madrid man turning 32 this year.
YOUNG STAR
Marco Asensio
A seductive package of dizzying footwork and a mallet of a left-foot, the 22-year-old is the present and future of Spanish football. Has yet to truly carve out a role with La Roja but he can be a game-changer.
KEY FACTS AND STATS
– Isco has scored 10 goals for Spain with eight of those coming under the stewardship of Lopetegui
– Julen Lopetegui enjoyed an unbeaten start to his term as Spain boss with La Roja not tasting defeat in 18 games
– Spain were the fifth reigning champions to exit the following World Cup in the group stages in 2014
FIFA Rating
85 DEF 86 MID 84 ATT
World Cups competed at
15 (First in 1934)
World Cup record
P59, W29, D12, L18
Best finish
Champions (2010)
Qualification record
P10, W9, D1
World ranking
8
SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Pepe Reina (Napoli), David de Gea (Manchester United), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao).
Defenders: Nacho Fernandez, Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal (all Real Madrid), Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba (both Barcelona), Alvaro Odriozola (Real Sociedad), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea).
Midfielders: Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets (both Barcelona), Saul Niguez, Koke (both Atletico Madrid), Isco, Marco Asensio (both Real Madrid), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), David Silva (Manchester City).
Forwards: Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Rodrigo (Valencia), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid).
VERDICT
There are five favourites to win and Spain are chief among them. They have X-Factor, a biting blend of experience and youth but no clear spearhead could be their downfall.
