Nickname: The Red Fury
Coach: Vicente del Bosque
World Cup appearances: 12
Best finish: Fourth, 1950
Key players:
Carles Puyol (captain)
Cesc Fabregas
Fernando Torres
David Villa
2008 has gone down in the history of Spanish football as the year their team emerged from the shadow of decades of underachievement by lifting the Euro 2008 crown in Austria & Switzerland. But can they maintain their momentum?
In the barren spell after their previous Euro victory in 1964, it was often stated that the Basques and the Catalans could not work together, seeing themselves as separate nations.
That myth has been well and truly exploded, and one thing is for certain: there is no shortage of talent in Vicente del Bosque's squad.
Fernando Torres and David Villa are perhaps the most lethal strike partnership in world football, and often grab the headlines with their goals.
But the Spanish defence and midfield are obscenely gifted too, which will make their team one of the most complete and versatile at the World Cup.
The arsenal of midfield brilliance at Del Bosque's disposal is quite staggering. The magical feet of Andres Iniesta, the skill and drive of Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas, the poise of Xavi and the composed, steadying presence of Marcos Senna.
Add to that the distribution of Xabi Alonso, formerly of Liverpool and now at Real Madrid, and flying winger Albert Riera, and it's almost impossible to imagine how the opposition can contain Spain when they are on form.
The talent for ball retention is probably superior to any side in the world, including tradtional ball-hoggers Brazil.
The ball control techniques on display week in, week out in the Primera Liga is a sight to behold and no matter what fans of the Premier League might say, it is still on a higher plane
And what of the defence?
Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas is at the height of his powers. A supremely gifted shot-stopper, he has developed the calmness and steadying presence that comes with playing in countless big matches.
Barcelona lynchpin Carles Puyol, too, has been around the block of big-match football a few times and will not be fazed by the big occasion. Left-back Joan Capdevila is a very tidy operator, capable of playing left wing.
Right-back Sergio Ramos is also a capable defender who's not afraid to get forward, with ex-Manchester United man Gerard Pique partnering Puyol at centre-back.
So what can you say to any team preparing to face the European champions in the summer of 2010? Nothing more than good luck, and hope for the best.
