High fliers? Spain has lots of talent, little World Cup success

Coach: Oleg Blokhin

2006 qualifying: Won UEFA Group 2, 7-1-4

2002 Finish: Didn't participate

Key Players: Andriy Shevchenko (Chelsea/England), Ruslan Rotan (Dynamo Kiev/Ukraine)

Outlook: In another group, Ukraine might be considered a likely third-place finisher, but not in this group. While Spain is clearly the cream of the crop, if healthy, Ukraine should be able to eke past Tunisia for the second spot. That won't be easy, however, because health is a concern. Superstar striker Andriy Shevchenko, who recently transferred from AC Milan to Chelsea, as well as defender Serhiy Fyodorov and forward Andriy Vorobei are all nursing injuries. If Ukraine can regain its form quickly, the first European team to qualifying for the World Cup has a great opportunity to advance to the second round.

Deseret Morning News Predictions: June 14 — Spain 2, Ukraine 2; Tunisia 3, Saudi Arabia 1. June 19 — Spain 2, Tunisia 2; Ukraine 2, Saudi Arabia 0. June 23 — Spain 3, Saudi Arabia 0; Tunisia 2, Ukraine 1.

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World Cup previews

This is the ninth in a nine-part series previewing the 2006 World Cup soccer tournament in Germany.

Thurs., June 1 — Overview

Fri., June 2 — Group A

Sat., June 3 — Group B

Sun., June 4 — Group C

Mon., June 5 — Group D

Tues., June 6 — Group E

Wed., June 7 — Group F

Thur., June 8 — Group G

Today — Group H