World Cup Record: Semi-final 1950

Manager: Vicente Del Bosque
Key Player: Fernando Torres
Qualified: 1st Uefa Group 5
Odds: 4/1

As far as World Cup appearances go Spain has so often flattered to deceive but now the perennial under-achievers have an opportunity to put the record straight in South Africa. Since winning the European Championship in 2008 they have continued their fluid one-touch brand of football and qualified from a group including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Turkey and Belgium by winning every game. Their host of star players includes Fernando Torres, David Villa and Iker Casillas and they have only lost once under current manager, Vicente Del Bosque. If they continue to play as they have over the last two years Spain may finally fulfil their potential at a World Cup.

Fernando Torres

Age: 25
Position: Centre Forward
Club: Liverpool (England – Premier League)
Caps: 71 (23 goals)
Top Goal Scorer Odds: 12/1

Fernando Torres scored the winning goal in Spain’s European 2008 final against Germany and clinched their first major trophy since 1964. Since joining Liverpool he has netted 48 goals in 67 Premier league games. He is a prolific goal scorer who is skilful and can hold up the ball and always makes it difficult for opposition defenders. Born in Madrid in 1984, Torres joined his first team Parque 84 at the age of 5 years old. He went on to represent Spain at all youth levels and came through the youth ranks at Atletico Madrid (214 apps, 82 goals) before moving to Anfield in 2007. Spain has many star names Villa, Xabi, Alonso to name a few but in Torres they have a natural born goalscorer.