Spain will rightly take their place among the top eight seeded sides for the World Cup draw on Saturday morning (AEDT) in the Brazilian city of Salvador having won an unprecedented three consecutive major tournaments.
However, in contrast to the build up to their recent triumphs, doubts surround the No.1 ranked side in the world's chances of retaining the trophy they won for the first time in South Africa three-and-a-half years ago.
A series of unconvincing friendly results is nothing new during Vicente del Bosque's five-year spell in charge.
But La Roja's lacklustre performances in a number of recent competitive games is cause for concern.
Spain were made to look bedraggled by an energetic young Brazil side roared on by a fervent home crowd in a 3-0 win for the hosts at the Confederations Cup in June.
The pre-cursor to the main event isn't always a reliable gauge - Spain were beaten by the United States in the 2009 Confederations Cup before returning to triumph in South Africa a year later - it was an insight as to just how tough it will be knock off Luiz Felipe Scolari's Selecao on home soil.
Moreover, the odds suggest the bookies also see Germany and Argentina as more credible candidates if Brazil are to fail to be crowned world champions for a sixth time.
Spain's qualification campaign wasn't stellar.
Del Bosque's men conceded late equalisers to drop points at home to Finland and France, and struggled past Belarus and Georgia to seal their place in Brazil in October.
The main issue arises up front where Del Bosque has tried a number of options without hitting upon a preferred solution.
Roberto Soldado, Alvaro Negredo, Cesc Fabregas, David Villa and Michu were all used in central striking roles during qualification, but Del Bosque's search for a No.9 has led to Brazilian-born Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa declaring to play for his adopted land.
Costa is still to make his Spain debut after missing the friendly matches against Equatorial Guinea and South Africa in November due to injury.
However, having turned his back on Brazil to represent the world champions, Del Bosque has admitted he would feel almost obligated to take the 25-year-old to the World Cup.
The other concern held amongst many Spaniards is that some of their key players who have contributed so much in recent tournaments may now be past their best.
Captain Iker Casillas has been supplanted by Diego Lopez at club level, Xabi Alonso and Xavi Hernandez have been plagued by injuries in recent times, while Andres Iniesta has struggled to find his top form at Barcelona this season.
