Sixteen years on from their first, and so far only, title, Spain once again find themselves in the final of the global showpiece. Prior to their victory in 2010, La Roja's history at the World Cup was an equal mix of mesmerising moments and painful heartbreaks.
Ahead of a potential second world championship, FIFA invites fans to relive some of Spain's greatest World Cup moments.
2 July 1950 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Legendary Spanish goalscorer Telmo Zarra sealed one of Spain's best-ever finishes at the global showpiece by firing Spain past the Three Lions in Brazil. Zarra's goal eliminated England and put La Roja through to the final round.
18 June, 1986 Queretaro, Mexico
"The Vulture" Emilio Butragueno made his name scoring goals for fun in the white of Real Madrid. In 1986, he did the same for Spain, netting five at the tournament and four in one match. The Vulture scored from the top of the box, from a corner, from inside the area and from the penalty spot to secure his place in history and Spain's spot in the last eight.
Perhaps nobody better embodied the stereotypical Spanish furia than Real Madrid midfielder Michel Gonzalez. In Spain's second group-stage game at the 1990 showpiece, the Real Madrid man opened the scoring, volleying home a crossfield pass. Spain relinquished their lead later in the half, but after the break, Michel curled in a near-post free-kick and then sealed his hat-trick and the Spanish victory after beating two defenders in the box and firing the ball in at the far post.
16 June 2002 Suwon, Korea Republic
Going into the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan, Iker Casillas was fresh off a UEFA Champions League victory with Real Madrid, but he was still the backup at international level. After a freak injury to Santiago Canizares, Casillas was given his chance and he did not shrink from the moment. In a nail-biting last-16 match against the Republic of Ireland, Casillas saved a penalty from Ian Harte in regulation and saved twice more in the shootout to send La Roja into a quarter-final with co-hosts Korea Republic.
Spain had already secured their opening match victory when Carles Puyol did a roulette in midfield before combining with Cesc Fabregas and knocking a ball down to an onrushing Fernando Torres, who smashed the ball past the Ukrainian keeper.
25 June 2010 Pretoria, South Africa
Spain's final group game at the 2010 showpiece was against Marcelo Bielsa's all-action Chile. A long ball through to Fernando Torres drew Claudio Bravo far out of his net, but the ball landed at the feet of David Villa who curled the ball in from just inside the half on the left wing. Villa would later give the assist for Andres Iniesta's match-winner.
7 July 2010 Durban, South Africa
Spain's semi-final match against Germany in 2010 was one of patient possession, but it was defined by power and athleticism. Barcelona midfielder Xavi curled a corner toward the penalty spot and his club team-mate Carles Puyol outjumped everyone to slam the header past Manuel Neuer and send Spain to their first World Cup final.
11 July 2010 Johannesburg, South Africa
The final of the 2010 showpiece in South Africa was a largely tense affair sprinkled with moments of genius. La Roja's victory was defined by two moments, one at each end of the field. In the 62nd minute, Netherlands winger Arjen Robben went through on goal with only Iker Casillas to beat. The Spain keeper held his ground, thrusting out his right boot at the last second deviating the Dutchman's shot just enough to keep the score level. Then, with extra time winding down, Cesc Fabregas slid in a through ball from the top of the box that released Andres Iniesta. The Albacete man took one touch and fired past Maarten Stekelenburg to give Spain their first taste of World Cup glory.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia proved to be a difficult tournament for Spain, who dismissed coach Julen Lopetegui just days before their first match. Before their last 16 exit to host Russia, an unexpected figure delivered one of the goals of the tournament. Real Madrid utility defender Nacho Fernandez hit a sublime righ-footed volley into the far corner to give La Roja the lead against Portugal in a match that finished 3-3.
France entered the match free scoring, but La Roja's possession nullified Les Bleus, limiting Kylian Mbappe and Co to half chances. A penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal and a cool finish from Pedro Porro after the break sealed a controlled victory for Spain and a second appearance in the World Cup final.
Sources: FIFA Official
