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Preview:
Spain has never done particularly well in the World Cup, it's
best finish being the 4th place showing in the legendary 1950
tournament held in Brazil.
Nevertheless expectations are high, and Spain fields a very
good squad, at least on paper. Real Madrid keeper Iker
Cassillas is one of the best in the world at the number 1
position. Teammate Raul is one of the best known names
in all of soccer, and he will be joined by Fernando Torres at
the forward position. Other stars wearing Spain's
soccer jersey
are
Liverpool's Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia, and Barcelona
defender Carles Puyol, although coach Luis Aragones has
omitted two of Spain's most well known names, Ruben Baraja and
Fernando Morientes. Spain
should have no problems getting out of Group H, and beyond
that could go as far as anyone.
Result: The high-flying Spaniards made short work of
their competition in the group stage, showing speed, skill and
youth. They lost a highly contested first-round match to
eventual finalists France,
and showed themselves to be one of the elite teams at the
tournament. A squad led by Fernando Torres looks to be a
contender for the crown in 2010.
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