For the first time since 2007, Spain is out of the top 10 in the FIFA rankings. Back then, the Spaniards were struggling in Euro qualifiers, but they made a huge turnaround to not only qualify for the tournament but also win it. The rest is history.

But last year was the reversal of six years of fortunes as Spain was trounced in the first round of the World Cup and then went on to lose major friendlies against Germany and France. And no one will forget the 2-1 defeat against Slovakia that has the team in second place in its current qualifying group.

On Friday, Spain will look to regain some respectability as it takes on Ukraine in a huge game that has major implications for both sides. A win for Spain keeps it in the top two and separates it from a Ukrainian side that is currently level on points in the table. With Macedonia, Belarus and Luxembourg all trailing by six or more points, this game is likely the one that could decide the fates of these two sides in this qualifying run.

For Vicente del Bosque, there are no radical shifts of power in the vein of Luis Aragones in 2007. No one will forget that Aragones, facing major internal conflicts, opted for leaving out the iconic Raul Gonzalez during one of the qualifiers, thus establishing a new era for Spain and creating a lot of major issues for himself.

Back then, Raul was the captain, and leaving him out was as close to a culture shock as there ever was one.

And eight years later, one could claim that a similar circumstance could take place for Spain, albeit in more subtle and less controversial manner.

Current captain Iker Casillas is undergoing a lot of pressure after showcasing some poor form for club and country in the last year. Many want him out of the net and replaced by up-and-comer David de Gea, who at age 24, is seen as one of the best goalies in the entire world.

But del Bosque has always been loyal, and it seems that for the moment, Casillas will continue to get the benefit of the doubt. Of course, one poor performance against the Ukrainians, and Casillas' storied career as a member of La Furia Roja might be at an end.

But Spain has a lot of other issues to sort out, mainly at the forward position. Diego Costa was once seen as the main man, but injuries have left him out of the roster. Going into this round del Bosque has youngsters Juanmi and Alvaro Morata alongside Pedro Rodriguez. Not a particularly promising trio considering that Pedro has struggled to find top form on Barcelona's bench, Morata will be making just his third appearance and Juanmi will be debuting for the side.

This points to the likelihood of a false nine for Spain with a crowded midfield that includes Santi Cazorla, David Silva Isco, Sergio Busquets, Koke, Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta among others. All seven of these players are starters, but the reality is that there is no space for all of them. Fabregas and Cazorla are the best options for the false nine position, but both are more natural in more central spots.

There are a lot of decisions to be made for Del Bosque as his Spanish side continues its growing pains.

Predictions

Spain wins 1-0.

Schedule, How to Watch

The game will be televised on ESPN 2 and ESPN Deportes at 3:45 p.m. EST.