Fans who fear and dread Spain's patient tiki-taka, possession football of the past two years might have to bear with a similar style of play again in four years' time as La Seleccion are likely to retain the same core players for Brazil 2014.

Goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas will be 33 by the time Brazil 2014 rolls around and although there's every chance that he could still be the No. 1, it's hard to see him maintain the same acrobatic ability and his supreme reflexes - his two strongest points - at that age. Pepe Reina will be at a perfect age to take over, while young David De Gea could also be in contention to inherit the coveted goalkeeping jersey.

In defence, Carles Puyol, Carlos Marchena and Joan Capdevila are all certain to retire by then. While the left-back slot could be a problem, there's no shortage of talent elsewhere. Cesar Azpilicueta, Nacho Monreal, Mikel San Jose, Alvaro Dominguez have all shown plenty of promise over the past season or so, while the two current stalwarts Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique will only be in their late-20's.

In midfield, the big question is whether mastermind Xavi will still be available. The Barcelona maestro will be 34 and could yet feature, as his game does not rely on explosive pace or power. The problem, however, is that Spain have so many emerging young stars to keep an eye on across the midfield line, nevermind the current crop which includes Cesc Fabregas, Javi Martinez, Juan Mata and David Silva, who will only be 28 and Xabi Alonso who will turn 32 in 2014. Youngsters such as Fran Merida, Ander Herrera, Diego Capel, Sergio Canales will be waiting in the wings, not to mention a wealth of talent that are likely to come through in four years' time.

Golden Boy David Villa will be 32, and in Spain, unlike most other countries and leagues, forwards and attacking players who are in the wrong side of 30 are often overlooked for faster, stronger strikers. One player Spanish fans will be excited to see is Athletic Bilbao's Iker Muniain. Like Villa and Pedro, Muniain is a versatile forward who likes to drift all over the pitch, but La Seleccion will also have a few options for target strikers if the likes of Alvaro Negredo and Roberto Soldado can come of age, while Fernando Torres, who will turn just 30, might get a shot at redeeming himself if he can take good care of his health.


World Cup 2014 Objective: Winners