Spain returned to the World Cup in 2006, looking to improve on their 2002 knockout-round exit. Under Luis Aragonés, they were ready to write the next chapter.
Spain showed enough quality to navigate the group stage, but their campaign ended in the knockout rounds before the latter stages. With 9 goals in 4 games, they carried a consistent attacking threat throughout.
Spain looked unstoppable in the group stage, winning every match and signalling their intentions early. In the knockout rounds, they fell to France in the Round of 16. France proved to be a step too far, and Spain's campaign came to a decisive end in the the last 16.
3won1lost
9scored4conceded
Scored in every match.
Fernando Torres led Spain's attack with 3 goals at the 2006 World Cup. Shared the top-scorer honours with Villa, both with 3. A specialist in decisive moments, with goals in the closing stages that changed the course of matches.
vs Ukraine
group stage
2 goals in 4 minutes 2 scored by Villa.
The tactical mind behind Spain's 2006 campaign. 3 wins from 4 under Aragonés leading Spain at his first World Cup.
Aragonés' team displayed flexibility and adaptability, scoring four goals against Ukraine but struggling with set pieces. They also showed resilience by coming from behind to beat Saudi Arabia in the group stage.
