Spain’s triumph at the 2010 World Cup was remembered for its possession-based football, guided by the creativity of Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta, the finishing of David Villa, and the influence of a strong Barcelona core under Vicente del Bosque. Their patient passing game ended with a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in the final, securing the country’s first world title.

Sixteen years later, Spain has once again reached the latter stages of the competition after another 1-0 knockout victory over Portugal, matching the scoreline from their meeting in Cape Town. They are now only three victories away from lifting the trophy for a second time.

This campaign, however, has been shaped less by attacking flair than by remarkable defensive consistency. Spanish football expert Guillem Balague believes the team’s greatest strength is its collective mentality, describing a squad in which every player shares the same commitment and approach.

Collective commitment at the heart of Spain’s success

Although Spain possess an impressive group of attacking players, including Mikel Oyarzabal, the returning Lamine Yamal, and midfield orchestrator Pedri alongside Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, their progress has been built on resilience without the ball.

Luis de la Fuente’s side has advanced to the quarter-finals without conceding once and remains the only team at the tournament yet to allow a goal after Mexico’s defence was breached three times by England in the round of 16. Their achievement has also earned a place in World Cup history, as Spain became the first nation to register six consecutive clean sheets, surpassing the previous record shared by Italy and Switzerland.

Their defensive streak now stretches to 10 hours and nine minutes without conceding in the competition, dating back to the goalless last-16 match at the 2022 World Cup that Morocco eventually won on penalties. Following the victory over Portugal, De la Fuente credited the achievement to teamwork, highlighting solidarity, sacrifice, constant effort, and the willingness of every player to work for one another while remaining faithful to the team’s football philosophy.

Simon and the back line rewrite the record books

Goalkeeper Unai Simon has played a central role in Spain’s defensive record, extending his run without conceding at the World Cup to 609 minutes. His achievement surpassed the previous benchmarks established by Italy’s Walter Zenga and Spain legend Iker Casillas.

Balague noted that Portugal controlled long spells of the last-16 encounter but failed to produce the decisive attacking quality. He added that Spain’s defenders consistently solved problems together, tracked back effectively, and limited the need for spectacular saves from Simon.

In front of the goalkeeper, Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsi have formed the central defensive partnership, while Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella have occupied the full-back positions. That combination has started three of Spain’s five matches at the tournament, with Marcos Llorente replacing Porro in the remaining two fixtures.

Balague also praised Rodri’s recent performances, describing him as the team’s guiding presence. He added that Laporte and Cubarsi complement each other perfectly because they suit Spain’s style of building play from the back while remaining comfortable defending large spaces behind the defensive line.

Confidence grows before another major test

Spain’s years following their 2010 success have included mixed fortunes. They successfully defended their European Championship title in 2012, but later endured two World Cup group-stage eliminations before exiting in the first knockout round four years ago.

Now competing as reigning European champions, they appear to have assembled another squad capable of challenging for football’s biggest prize. Former England striker Chris Sutton believes Spain have additional levels to reach despite not producing their best display against Portugal.

Sutton said the team’s defensive reliability should concern every remaining opponent and suggested that a potential meeting with France would represent their greatest examination, provided both nations progress. He believes Spain has the quality to overcome France but would need to deliver an almost flawless performance.

Before any possible semi-final showdown, De la Fuente’s team will attempt to extend their outstanding defensive run when they face Belgium in Friday’s quarter-final.