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Goalkeepers:
1-Iker Casillas (Real Madrid) Date of birth: 20.5.81. Caps: 56. Goals: 0.
Undoubtedly the main goalkeeper of the Spanish national team, one of the world-class players in the team. Characterized by excellent reactions and is almost unbeatable in one-on-one situations, but does not always control the situation in his penalty area and struggles with "high" balls. He recently turned 25.
19-Santiago Canizares (Valencia) Date of birth: 18.12.69. Caps: 44. Goals: 0
He was supposed to be the main goalkeeper of the Spanish national team in the 2002 World Cup, but a bizarre injury (a bottle of aftershave fell on his foot just before the tournament) forced him to give way to I. Casillas. Although this year it was thought that the 36-year-old S. Canizares had already ended his national team career, his fantastic performances at Valencia persuaded Luis Aragones to include the veteran in the national team.
23-Pepe Reina (Liverpool, England) Date of birth: 31.8.82. Caps: 2. Goals: 0
Started his career at Barcelona, then made a name for himself after moving to Villarreal and helping them achieve their highest ever third-place finish in the Spanish championship. He joined Rafael Benitez's Spanish colony at Liverpool in the summer of 2005. In the 2005-2006 season, he had a streak of 11 consecutive matches without conceding a goal. Known for his excellent ability to save penalties.
Defenders:
3-Asier del Horno (Chelsea, England) Date of birth: 19.1.81. Caps: 10. Goals: 2
An attacking left-back known for his dangerous runs down the left side, precise passes, and heading ability. Caught the attention of Jose Mourinho, who paid £8 million to sign him in the summer of 2005. While reliable in defense, he often struggles if opponents counterattack. He suffered a shin injury three weeks before the start of the championship, which could have cost him his place in the national team.
22-Pablo Ibanez (Atletico Madrid) Date of birth: 3.8.81. Caps: 8 Goals: 0
A tall central defender who excels in the "second line," possessing a great sense of when and where to be and knowing when to dive at the feet of opponents. It seems that in the fight for a place in the starting lineup, he has surpassed Carlos Marchena and Juanito and will form a central defensive duo with Carles Puyol in Germany.
5-Carles Puyol (Barcelona) Date of birth: 13.4.78. Caps: 44 Goals: 1
The captain of Barcelona has become a crucial figure both in the Spanish national team and his club. Aggressive in defense and dangerous when he attacks with the team. If Raul is considered the symbol of the team, then Puyol is the soul. Although he used to play more often as a right-back, he now plays as a central defender.
4-Carlos Marchena (Valencia) Date of birth: 31.7.79. Caps: 27 Goals: 1
This player earned his place in the national team with excellent performances at Valencia, where in 2002, under Rafael Benitez, the team became the Spanish champion. Tenacious in defense, he controls the ball well, but often makes costly mistakes. Upon the arrival of coach Quique Sanchez Flores at Valencia, he lost his guaranteed place in the starting lineup.
2-Michel Salgado (Real Madrid) Date of birth: 22.10.75. Caps: 49 Goals: 0
The fearless and never-give-up right-back has much to prove after missing the 2004 European Championship due to injury. Known for his speed and attacking down the right side. With lots of experience at the highest level in Real and always performing well in the national team. However, the 2005-2006 season was unsuccessful for this defender at Real, and he lost his place in the starting lineup to the Brazilian newcomer Cicinho.
20-Juanito (Real Betis) Date of birth: 23.7.76. Caps: 13 Goals: 1
A strong, confident defender who plays smartly with his head is a key player in Betis for the fifth year. In the waiting list for the 2005 season, he dropped below Pablo Ibanez, but remains a reliable substitute, always performing well in the Spanish national team jersey.
15-Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid) Date of birth: 20.3.86. Caps: 7 Goals: 2
In the summer of 2005, he became one of the most expensive defenders in the world when Real Madrid paid Sevilla £27 million. However, he has not yet lived up to his name on the international stage and even when playing against more famous opponents at the club level, such as Barcelona, he seemed lost. A talented defender who can shoot goals can play both in the center of defense and on the right.
12-Antonio Lopez (Atletico Madrid) Date of birth: 13.9.81. Caps: 8 Goals: 1
A backup left-back for A.del Horno. Reliable in defense, but likes to attack and can make precise passes into the penalty area. Black horse on the field. Combines well with his teammate P.Ibanez at Atletico.
Fullbacks:
17-Joaquin (Real Betis) Date of birth: 21.7.81. Caps: 36 Goals: 4
The talented right-back was considered the Spanish Luis Figo, but it seems he did not live up to expectations. When he is in good form, he can cause panic to opponents' left-backs, but he demonstrates inconsistency and sometimes tries to play one-on-one too much. At the end of the selection cycle, he lost his place in the starting lineup. Also, he did not shine in Betis in the 2005-2006 season.
14-Xabi Alonso (Liverpool, England) Date of birth: 25.11.81. Caps: 23 Goals: 0
An inventive and enduring central midfielder, he earned his name in 2003 when he was with Real Sociedad, finishing second in the Spanish championship, as one of the leaders. He is now a member of the Spanish Liverpool colony, having regained form after a difficult ankle injury.
6-David Albelda (Valencia) Date of birth: 1.9.77. Caps: 31 Goals: 0
A solid, energetic, and reliable central midfielder. His excellent partnership with Ruben Baraja in Valencia and the Spanish national team, but this year, the latter was not invited to the World Cup. D. Albelda excels in breaking the opponent's attacks before they even start. He sees the field well and distributes the ball, but easily earns yellow cards.
8-Xavi (Barcelona) ...
