The Spanish National Soccer team may be a the top of their group standings, but they have not done so with the flair they played with in what seems like a distant era.

Back now three managers ago, in the time of the late Luis Aragones, La Furia Roja introduced the tiki-taka into the world's consciousness. At that time, with Xavi and Iniesta still on the ascent towards their peak powers, and Fernando Torres the most coveted finisher in the world, they were dynamic with the ball and making the right attacks on goal with precision. 

Now, they are still holding onto the tiki-taka, under new manager Julen Lopetegui,  but lack dynamism that was there in the original edition. They no longer play with the confidence they had when they went undefeated from 2006 to 2009. And even after the United States scored their under dog win to interrupt that streak, they came into every game feared. On the road, people showed up just as much to sit in awe of them as they did to cheer on their countrymen. 

Sure right now they are at the top of their World Cup qualifying group after a pair of matches this week, they will not, nor should they enter the finals as heavy favorites. While they were able to finish the week with a 2-0 win over Albania on the road, they ended their match with Italy in a 1-1 draw.

Granted, Italy is always a tough draw, especially if you are having to play in Milan. Though Andres Iniesta and co. did look dominant until towards the end, their performances have been inconsistent dating back to the Euro Cup last summer.

Diego Costa has appeared to be more integrated into the squad and certainly more in-tune with the other 10 players out there with him. That was something that took time when he first donned the Spain shirt, and it could spell a return to dominance, as Spain has never had player in attack as big, strong and deft as a target in attack. The only thing that has kept Costa is himself, namely his fitness. 

Nolito has carved himself out a place in this squad, but he certainly isn't going to be chasing Raúl in the record books. And Iniesta can't be counted on for too long, therefore his heir apparent needs to be found as Xavi's certainly has not been. 

Still, Spain has above average talent, and a run likes their's from 2008-2013 or so likely will not be replicated for a long, long time - if ever.

Photo: Flickr/Dan Farrimond