Former Spanish national team defense pillar Carles Puyol hopes that his compatriots will reach the "Euro 2016" final. Their journey in these championships will start on Monday with a match against the Czech Republic.
Vicente Del Bosque's pupils did not have equals for four years and became champions, but after the fiasco at the World Cup, their chances are being cautiously evaluated.
However, "Euro 2008" winner Puyol is optimistic.
"I hope that Spain at least reaches the final, and wins it. As always, it will depend on the players' physical form, as most of them had a long season," - the former defender told Goal.com.
"We have a very good team with good footballers. You know, the change of generations is one of the rules of life. There are a few young players in the national team who only have international experience with clubs."
"Casillas, Pique, Ramos, Busquets, Iniesta, Cesc (Fabregas), Silva - they all have been playing for many years, they are leaders. But there are also young players like Thiago, Saul, and Isco."
Puyol also noted the importance of Gerardo Pique, who took over his role in both the national team and "Barcelona", but acknowledged that the best center-back in the world at the moment is Brazilian Thiago Silva.
