ENESPT

Prime

Prime

When Was Spain's Prime?

The 2010 World Cup in South Africa, or the 2012 Euros side that beat Italy 4–0 in the final. Tiki-taka at two peaks.

Editorial verdict

Our answer

The 2010 team won Spain's greatest prize; our playing-strength pick is 2012. Del Bosque's side had deeper control, more tactical flexibility and ended the tournament by dismantling Italy 4–0 in the final.

Candidate 1

Spain 2010

Iniesta in extra time. Villa as the finisher, and a World Cup won the Barcelona way.

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Spain

2010

Vicente del Bosque

  • World Cup
93OVR

Starting XI

  • LWINIESTA94
  • STVILLA91
  • RWPEDRO84
  • CMXAVI96
  • CDMBUSQUETS89
  • CMALONSO90
  • LBCAPDEVILA82
  • CBPUYOL90
  • CBPIQUE88
  • RBRAMOS86
  • GKCASILLAS90

Candidate 2

Spain 2012

False nine, 4–0 in the final, and the last night of the tiki-taka era.

Open squad page →

Spain

2012

Vicente del Bosque

  • Euros
91OVR

Starting XI

  • LWINIESTA94
  • STFABREGAS86
  • RWSILVA88
  • CMXAVI95
  • CDMBUSQUETS90
  • CMALONSO90
  • LBALBA86
  • CBPIQUE88
  • CBRAMOS88
  • RBARBELOA80
  • GKCASILLAS88

Settle it in the simulator

Spain 2010 vs Spain 2012

Open this dream match →

More era debates

Other primes worth arguing about

When Was Barcelona's Prime?Barcelona's modern peak is a three-way argument: Guardiola's first treble, the Wembley tiki-taka side, or the MSN treble. Each season is playable in the simulator.When Was Real Madrid's Prime?Décima in 2014, or the 2016/17 side that won the league and retained the Champions League? Both are in the database.When Was Manchester United's Prime?The 1999 treble or the 2008 Moscow winners with peak Ronaldo. Two different United sides, both legendary.When Was Messi's Prime?Search demand around Messi's prime usually points at Barcelona. These three sides are the main candidates in this database.