Spain

The World Cup favourites have astounded the footballing world in the past four years, but their success has the potential to set La Seleccion up for a fall. If they fail people will write them off as typical Spaniards, but if they succeed they will be regarded as one of the sports greatest teams.

Spain's record speaks for itself. In the past 48 games, only one defeat has been experienced. That 1-0 defeat to the US in the Confederations Cup however, was followed up by ten qualifying victories and most recently three friendly wins over Saudi Arabia, South Korea and against Poland in Murcia on Tuesday (6-0).

Fernando Torres liberated a nation with unfulfilled sporting potential in 2008. His goal in Vienna sealed Euro 2008 and provided not only the previously divided football team with a new found confidence but the country as well. Spain has become a nation of sporting success in the meantime. Rafael Nadal, Fernando Alonso, Alberto Contador and the national basketball team are just some more recent Iberian success stories. 

Vicente del Bosque has continued where his predecessor, Luis Aragones, left off. The first XI is still much the same (9 of 2008s starters could start against the Swiss) and the footballing philosophy hasn't changed either.    

WORLD CUP HISTORY

Spanish national teams have often flattered to deceive at the World Cup finals. Their best result thus far was fourth place in 1950 but more recent performances have been disappointing.

As hosts in 1982, only one victory was recorded in five games as La Furia Roja even lost to Northern Ireland.

The last three World Cups have summed up Spain's World Cup reputation. In 1998 they exited despite beating Bulgaria 6-1, but it was all too late. In 2002, a quarter final was reached but they fell to a weaker side in South Korea and in 2006, despite being the most impressive team in the group stage, they succumbed to France in the last 16.   

SCHEDULE- Group H

Switzerland   June 16th- Durban

Honduras      June 21st- Port Elizabeth

Chile             June 25th- Pretoria

The group stage shouldn't be too problematic for Vicente del Bosque's team. A rudimentary victory in the opening match is not a guarantee but a repeat of the 4-0 victory over Ukraine in 2006 is certainly a possibility.

La Seleccion's game with Chile is potentially the game of the group stages. The clinical counterattacking of the lightning Chilenos will go head to head with Espana's midfield carousel of passing.

KEY PLAYERS

David Villa is well on his way to becoming Spain's record goal scorer. 38 goals in 58 games is a superior conversion rate to record holder Raul who has scored 44 in his 102 caps. Villa's movement and ball skills are more suited to the Spanish game than Fernando Torres, therefore Barcelona's new signing will bare the brunt of goalscoring responsibility.  

Euro 2008s player of the tournament Xavi Hernandez is the central figure of the Spanish midfield. With Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas still not 100% fit, the Catalan will be required to provide bulk of the assists for his new club team mate.

Fellow Barcelona man Gerard Pique is a new member of the team, having come in to the first XI in the past two years. His development has added further stability to a defence that is regarded as the side's weakest area. His impressive goal scoring ability and physical presence has relegated Carlos Marchena to the bench.

ONE TO WATCH- Jesus Navas

The Sevilla winger has finally embraced the national team, having overcome his anxiety fears. The 24 year old has been a star in La Liga for the past few years but has been a hidden talent to many outsiders. His pace and unpredicability may be a potent weapon from the bench. His goal against South Korea during pre World Cup preparations was definitely a confidence booster.    

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

Winning the Cup and finally bringing an end to any previous stereotypes regarding mental strenght, and following up the achievement of two years ago in Vienna.

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

'Doing a Spain' and bottling it when so much is expected such as in 1998 and even 2006.

PREDICTION

This Spanish squad are the strongest in the history of their own country. Their first eleven are the most talented in the world and they have the most strenght in depth. Player for player, no other team can touch them. Therefore if Spain can play to even 80% of their capability they will be the World Cups most popular and deserving winners since Argentina in 1986.