4 Days Left: World Cup Preview - Spain

Spain

World Cup
Appearances 12 (First in 1934)
Best result Fourth Place, 1950, (wat? lol)
European ChampionshipAppearances 9 (First in 1964)
Best result Champions, 1964, 2008
Confederations CupAppearances 1 (First in 2009)
Best result 3rd Place, 2009

Always the bridesmaid never the bride. Spain usually gets hyped before about every World Cup and here is 2010 and were talking about Spain as a favorite to win the Cup, or just big the choke artist. This is practically the same team that let the United States trounce them for the whole world to see, last summer in the Confederations Cup in South Africa. Did they learn their lesson?

Spain will be playing in Group H with Switzerland, Honduras and Chile. This grouping should make you optimistic that at least Spain will get out of the first round. Ok, great you made it out of group play, but now you must win your next four straight games to be the champion and I just don't see it happening for Spain. One reason, the elephant in the Spanish locker room, injuries. Xavi, Fernando Torres, Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta have all had injuries in the past several months. But with injuries flaring up with nations everywhere, Spain may be more healthy then most.

Even if they win their group, they will face the runner up of Group G, which will be either Portugal, Brazil or Ivory Coast, the toughest opponents that Spain has faced in a long time. I hate to tell you Spaniard fans, but it just won't happen this year, but your probably used to that, so have fun anyway.