Euro 2016 Group D Predictions: Defending Champions Spain Are Favorites But Poor Form Could Doom Them

By David Salazar May 24 2016, 10:21 AM EDT

From 2008-2012, Spain was the best team in the world. Then 2014 happened and the team was not only knocked off its throne, but utterly humiliated.

La Furia Roja will look to regain its dignity and perhaps its crown in the Euro 2016 as it tries to make history and win the tournament for a third straight time.

But Group D poses a very real struggle for Spain as it is one of the toughest groups of the tournament.

Spain will see threats from the Czech Republic, Turkey and Croatia.

The Dangers of Group D for Spain

On the surface, Spain should be the favorite, but none of these teams are to be ignored. Croatia possesses arguably the best player in the group in Luka Modric who will dominate the midfield alongside Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic. These two are capable of destroying any team on their own if Croatia's overall team structure does not implode as it did in Brazil back in 2014.

Turkey has Arda Turan and Burak Yilmaz, but the latter has been on a clear decline for years. Turkey is likely the weakest of the teams in the group but should not be overlooked as a side that can attack quickly and dangerously.

Then comes the Czech Republic which also lacks major stars, but is strong enough to shock other competitors.

Spain's Inconsistent Form

Spain holds a winning record against all of these teams, but the reality is that Vicente del Bosque's side has been nothing if not maddeningly inconsistent. The team had won seven straight and eight of nine in 2015, but has only drawn in its two most recent games. The 1-1 tie with Italy was an embarrassment as far as Spain is concerned and the 0-0 draw against Romania only emphasized how poor this side's offense really is.

Will Loyalty Doom Del Bosque?

The real question at hand is whether Del Bosque's loyalty will get the better of him. Iker Casillas should be on the bench with David De Gea as the starter. But Del Bosque has given his captain preferentially treatment in the past. The defense should include Dani Carvajal on the right flank, but Juanfran is likely to relegate him to the bench. Koke, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquests and David Silva should be locks as well though Thiago Alcantara and Isco should be getting looks.

The problem comes down to who plays up top. Cesc Fabregas has been a false nine in the past but had a horrific year for Chelsea. Pedro is also a Del Bosque favorite, but was also poor at Stamford Bridge. Both of these players should be on the bench but could very well push Thiago and Isco out of the starters spot.

As for the forward, Aritz Aduriz might very well be the best option despite being the oldest. He gives Spain an aerial presences the team sorely lacks. Nolito is also a tricky forward with skill to unlocking opposing offenses. Alvaro Morata is quick and strong, but inconsistent as well.