Late last week, the Spanish Soccer Federation announced that Vicente del Bosque would remain the head coach of the Spanish National Team despite the debacle that the team endured in Brazil this summer.

Del Bosque took over after Spain won the Euro 2008 and led the team to a World Cup victory in 2010 as well as a Euro Cup championship in 2012. Despite being the most successful coach in La Furia Roja's history, Del Bosque made a number of mistakes prior to and during Spain's hasty elimination in the World Cup this past summer.

Many thought that the embarrassment would cost him his job, but the federation has proven otherwise and has given him one last chance to defend Spain's European Championship. The team no longer enters that tournament as favorites to retain the title, especially with the rise of a young German champion and teams such as Belgium, Holland and France looking like contenders. But Del Bosque can do quite a few things to improve the side and make a run at a third trophy in four tries. Here is a look at how he can help Spain compete.

1. Do not abandon Tiki Taka, reshape it
Spain has a defined identity and it is tiki taka. Getting rid of it altogether or trying to alter it rapidly (as was the case in Brazil) will only lead to turmoil. Spain lacked an identity the decades that it suffered as a mediocre soccer country. The tactic may have its flaws, but it is still a great way to play soccer. Just look at the Germans. They adapted tiki taka but added their own flourishes. The defending World Cup champs can also play a more direct speed game but also rely on their strength to execute on set pieces. Spain looked to be more direct in the World Cup and it often worked, but the team is still strongest when it has the ball. The passing game, coupled with more directness and speed could make Spain more direct. Del Bosque has two years to reshape the formula and strengthen it. He must do that.

2. Bring in the youth
Another reason for Spain's failure at the World Cup was the lack of youth. Tiki taka requires fit players that can run about and press at high intensity. A 34-year-old Xavi, a 32-year-old Xabi Alonso and a 30-year-old Andres Iniesta were simply not in the physical state to keep up the high intensity pressing for 90 minutes. Iniesta still has a lot to give, but he needs younger players around him to play at that high intensity for the full duration. That is where players such as Thiago Alcantara, Isco, Koke, Iker Munain, Jese Rodriguez, Alvaro Morata and Gerard Deulofeu come in. All of these players were contributors on the U-21 Euro championship squad, solidifying the notion that Spain can win with its current style; it just needs to capably execute the gameplan to perfection. Xavi and Iniesta cannot. Isco and Thiago can.

On the back end, David De Gea, Marc Bartra and Dani Carvajal need to be the players that get a chance to start taking over for the youth movement. That said...

3. See what veterans can still offer
Some players are done. Xavi and Xabi Alonso are prime examples. But some players should still be given a chance to win back their spots. Iker Casillas had a horrific World Cup and there can be no argument against it. But at 33-years-old, he should be peaking as a keeper, not faltering. He has not had regular game time with Real Madrid. If he manages to regain his form with another club with more playing time, then he should not be ditched by the wayside.

The same goes for Gerard Pique. The Barcelona man was coming off a lengthy injury when he started against the Dutch in Brazil. He has not been in peak form since the Euro 2012, but he could still recover his form as he is in his mid 20s and has yet to enter what should be his peak years. If he rediscovers his form with Barcelona this season, then he should be given another shot to be the team's central defensive duo.

Del Bosque has two years to give these veterans a chance. The Euro qualifiers should not be brutally difficult for Spain, so there is some room for error. Del Bosque should have his backup plans ready, but some of his soldiers definitely deserve a chance to finish their careers with some sort of dignity.

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