Spain won an unprecedented treble of back-to-back European crowns either side of the 2010 World Cup and, as FIFA's top-ranked team, have probably been analysed more than any other side.
The only blemish on their recent record was a shock 2-0 defeat by United States in the semi-finals of the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa.
Maintaining their winning momentum, blending in new players with some tactical variations and perhaps most importantly, recovering the morale of a core group of players, will be a test for one of the game's most adept man-managers.
"We know that in football every one or two years things change and it is difficult to maintain this authority we have kept going since 2008," Del Bosque said in an interview with Diario de La Roja website.
"It is our obligation to keep trying."
Goalkeeper Iker Casillas, Spain's unquestioned number one for more than a decade, has not played a competitive match since mid-January when he broke a finger in a match against Valencia.
Real's decision to bring in another keeper in Diego Lopez and a falling out with coach Jose Mourinho has meant the 32-year-old has watched from the bench during the season run-in.
Barca's Victor Valdes was outstanding as his replacement as Spain triumphed 1-0 in France to return to the top of their World Cup qualifying group in March, but he also has suffered a tough time after rejecting an offer of a contract extension at the Nou Camp.
Brazil could be the moment for Bayern Munich's Javi Martinez, 24, to step up into the midfield engine room, after a treble-winning season with the German side which included lifting the Champions League.
"More players are leaving to play abroad," Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal told a news conference in Miami, where the team were preparing to play Haiti.
"In Spain many teams are having a tough time. There are interesting offers abroad and we are leaving in search of new challenges."
