¡Viva España!

Spain:
Perennial World Cup under-achievers Spain go into the World Cup 2010 in South Africa as clear favourites to win the golden trophy. Their qualification into this years tournament couldn't have been easier with a perfect record in Group 5 of 10 wins from 10. With the lively Fernando Torres and dangerous David Villa spear-heading the attack it's easy to see why Spain managed to score 28 goals in the ten games played, however, possibly more impressive is their goals against tally which stood at only 5 goals conceded in the 10 games played and never actually conceding at home! Spain's only blemish in the past 4 years was a defeat in the Confederations Cup Semi-Final to USA.

La Furia Roja (The Red Fury) have found themselves in a relatively easy group in the World Cup 2010. They'll face Switzerland in Durban, Honduras in Johannesburg, then Chile in Pretoria. Qualification should be plain sailing for the Spanish, as they look to win their first ever World Cup. Their favourites tag has been attached as a result of their impressive showing in the European Championships 2008 in Austria/Switzerland. Spain defeated Germany 1-0 to be crowned European Champions, striker David Villa took home the golden boot award, playmaker Xavi was named the tournaments best player and nine Spanish squad members in total made the Championships team of the tournament.

However Spain has a habit of choking on the biggest stage of all. Their best finish in a World cup was back over half a century ago in Brazil 1950. Spain managed to finish fourth in a tournament won by the then great Uruguayan side. It's for this reason alone why Spain may not be fancied to lift this years Fifa World Cup trophy. For all their skill, creativity and unique ability to make even the worlds best footballers look novice like, Spain has always seemingly lacked the grit and determination to succeed at the FIFA World Cup.
30 man Preliminary Squad:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, David De Gea, Diego Lopez, Pepe Reina, Víctor Valdes.

Defenders: Raul Albiol, Alvaro Arbeloa, Cesar Azpilicueta, Joan Capdevila, Carlos Marchena, Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Sergio Ramos,

Midfielders: Xabi Alonso, Sergio Busquets, Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, Javi Martinez, Marcos Senna, David Silva, Xavi, Santi Cazorla, Jesus Navas, Juan Mata,

Forwards: Pedro, Daniel Guiza, Fernando Llorente, Alvaro Negredo, Fernando Torres, David Villa

KEY MAN: Xavi (Barcelona, Midfielder, Centre) Integral to everything Spain do.

ONE TO WATCH: Jesus Navas (Seville, Midfielder, Right) If Spain gamble on you Navas to go to the World Cup, he could have a place on the right wing. Direct, pacy and loves to take on his opponent.

Craig Stewart