World Cup Preview - Group H - Spain

Spain:

Coach: Luis Aragones.

Game Schedule:
June 14 – Spain vs. Ukraine (9 a.m. EST)
June 19 – Spain vs. Tunisia (3 p.m.)
June 23 – Spain vs. Saudi Arabia (10 a.m.)

Prospects: Spain went undefeated in qualifying and yet still were bested by Serbia and had to play-off with Slovakia to reach this summer’s tournament. Aragones’s side have the usual Spanish characteristic – intricate midfield play without a cutting edge, plus a tendency to underachieve on the big stage. Still on paper this side – made up of players who play almost exclusively in La Liga, the most competitive league in the world, should at least on paper excel this time around. They’ve been given a kind draw and, disasters aside, should go top of the group and receive a decent draw in the second round. However, if they let their guard down, Ukraine could easily upset the apple cart in Group H.

Key Player: Liverpool’s Luis Garcia – the motor of the Spanish side and a useful scoring threat.

Youngster to watch: Arsenal’s crafty midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

Who Will Get the Goals: The burden will fall on Athletico Madrid’s young striker Fernando Torres. I don’t rate him, but perhaps he’ll change my mind this time.

Who Will Get the Cards: Barca’s nasty piece of work Carlos Puyol.

Funniest Name: Xavi – I heard about six pronunciations (“Shahvi” “Hahvi” “Shahbi” and on and on.)

Prediction: True to form, they’ll underperform in the group matches, losing to Ukraine and being edged out for top spot. Knocked out on penalties after a thrilling Group of Sixteen match with neighboring France.