FIFA World Cup 2018 Group B: Spain

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - The 2010 FIFA World Cup winners Spain want to repeat their success in Russia 2018.

In Group B, Spain will take on Portugal, Morocco and Iran.

In the World Cup qualifiers, Spain, managed by Julen Lopetegui, played against Italy, Albania, Israel, Macedonia and Liechtenstein and won nine matches out of 10, and also led the Group G with 28 points.

The Spanish team only drew against Italy. Thus the team booked their place in the World Cup in Russia. In that group Spain scored 36 goals and conceded only three.

Spain are targeting the 2018 FIFA World Cup title with several stars such as Real Madrid defender and team captain Sergio Ramos, Barcelona's Gerard Pique, former Barcelona veteran now playing for Japan's Vissel Kobe Andres Iniesta, Real Madrid's attacking midfielder Isco and Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa.

Spain lifted the 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa; this is the only World Cup title of Spain in history.

In 2014 in Brazil, Spain have been surprisingly eliminated in the group stage.

- Confirmed squad of Spain:

Goalkeepers: David De Gea (Manchester United), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao), Pepe Reina (Napoli)

Defenders: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Alvaro Odriozola (Real Sociedad), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Nacho (Real Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid), Thiago Alcantara (Bayern Munich), David Silva (Manchester City), Andres Iniesta (Vissel Kobe)

Forwards: Isco (Real Madrid), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Lucas Vazquez (Real Madrid), Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo), Rodrigo Moreno (Valencia), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid)

Manager: Julen Lopetegui