Spain’s World Cup history is littered with disappointment, controversy, bad luck and episodes of sheer ineptitude that have driven even the most devoted fans to despair. Fans, media, coaches and even players talk about the curse of the quarterfinals, the round where the team have come unstuck in three of the last five World Cups.

Spain — FIFA World Ranking: 5th

Qualified for World Cup: finished 2nd in European Zone Group 7

Sports Interaction odds to win World Cup: +1500, 15/1

After finishing second in the tough European Zone Group 7, Spain faces a difficult challenge to advance through Group H. Superstar Real Madrid striker Raul (94 caps/43 goals) leads the offensive charge with newcomer David Villa (7 caps/2 goals) emerging as a force as well. The Spaniards feature a veteran goalkeeping duo in Iker Casillas (58 caps) and Santiago Canizares (44 caps), with Michel Salgado (49 caps) and Carlos Puyol (46 caps) headlining the defensive corps. If it plays up to its potential, Spain should advance through the knockout stage without any problems.

Ukraine — FIFA World Ranking: 45th

Qualified for World Cup: finished 1st in European Zone Group 2

Sports Interaction odds to win World Cup: +2300, 23/1

When the World Cup draws were announced, Ukraine was a team that everybody was hoping to avoid in group play. Superstar Andriy Shevchenko (63 caps/28 goals), who signed a new deal with English powerhouse Chelsea this past week, is the team’s first option on offense and is a world-class scorer. Teaming with Shevchenko are strikers Andriy Vorobey (50 caps/6 goals) and Andriy Voronin (30 caps/3 goals), which forms a devastating trio of attackers. Along with Spain, Ukraine is considered a favorite to advance out of the group stage.

Tunisia — FIFA World Ranking: 21st

Qualified for World Cup: finished 1st in African Zone Group 5

Sports Interaction odds to win World Cup: +3400, 34/1

The defending African champ, Tunisia sports a very balanced squad, led by Brazilian-born striker Santos (28 caps/18 goals). Veteran defenders Radhi Jaidi (89 caps) and Hatem Trabelsi (56 caps) control the backfield in front of solid goalkeeper Ali Boumnijel (48 caps). With powerful Spain and Ukraine in this group, Coach Roger Lemerre will be hard pressed to get his squad past the group stage.

Saudi Arabia — FIFA World Ranking: 34th

Qualified for World Cup: finished 1st in Asian Zone Group 1

Sports Interaction odds to win World Cup: +6700, 67/1

Saudi Arabia is appearing in its fourth World Cup finals and hopes to advance to the second round for the first time since 1994. Striker Sami Al Jaber, who has played in an amazing 160 international matches for Saudi Arabia, is a veteran goal scorer who provides stability and leadership for the Saudis. Striker Yaser Al Kahtani (45 caps/32 goals) has proven to be a prolific goal scorer. The defense is anchored by long-time goalkeeper Mohammed Al Deayea, who has logged an incredible 181 caps for his country.

World Cup Group F Preview: Spain and Ukraine to advance through the knockout stages of the World Cup.

Related: FIFA World Cup Betting Tips, World Cup Picks, World Cup Soccer Stories and Rumors

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 8th, 2006 at 6:09 am and is filed under 2010 FIFA World Cup, 2010 World Cup Betting Tips and Picks, Saudi Arabia, Soccer News, Spain, Tunisia, Ukraine. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.