An injury to Diego Tristan, Camacho's original choice of strike partner for Raul, gave Morientes the chance to underline his credentials.
He has done so emphatically, with three crucial goals, and only injuries will let Tristan back in now.
Valencia's Ruben Baraja and Juan Carlos Valeron of Deportivo La Coruna are fluid in central midfield.
But it is at the back where the new Spain can be seen.
Real Madrid pair Ivan Helguera and captain Fernando Hierro have formed a rock on which this Spanish side is built, and Barcelona's Puyol has been outstanding at right-back.
Even so, Hierro's attempt to swap shirts with Niall Quinn a few minutes too early nearly cost his side dearly.
Ultimately, Spain were lucky and can thank one of the tournament's outstanding keepers, Iker Casillas, for preserving their interest in the competition.
But that good fortune merely underlines a new belief that this really could be Spain's year.
Or will it be just another case of more paella in the sky?