From Deseret News archives:
High fliers? Spain has lots of talent, little World Cup success
It's tempting to pick the Spaniards to win Group H, but there could be problems lurking. For Spain at the World Cup, there always seem to be some concerns.
Ukraine, making its tournament debut, was the first country from Europe to qualify. Tunisia won the African Cup of Nations two years ago and Saudi Arabia won its Asian qualifying group.
This is Spain's 12th appearance in the tournament, and its best finish is fourth place 56 years ago. In 45 World Cup games, Spain has won only 19. Made up chiefly of players from bitter rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid, the team has seldom jelled, with regional loyalties usually overriding any sense of Spanish patriotism.
The June 14 group opener in Leipzig between Spain and Ukraine could be telling.
"We can safely say that being the last group to kick off is an advantage, because it gives us more time to prepare," veteran coach Luis Aragones said.
Few countries produce more talent than Spain, and much of it is nurtured in one of Europe's best domestic leagues.
Aragones has a wealth of midfielders to pick from. Marcos Senna, Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta will be new to the international stage, although Fabregas (Arsenal) and Iniesta (Barcelona) just played in the Champions League final and Senna led Villarreal to the Champions League semifinals.
Responsible for much of Spain's flowing one-touch style, the midfield is also backed up by veterans Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona), David Albelda (Valencia) and Xabi Alonso (Liverpool).
Up front, Spain is likely to rely more on Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres and Valencia's David Villa with injury concerns surrounding the team's all-time scoring leader, Raul.
Spain has fewer stars on a defense led by Barcelona captain Carles Puyol and Real Madrid's Michel Salgado. The goalkeeping is deep.
The Spaniards reached the quarterfinals in three of the last five World Cups, getting eliminated by South Korea (2002), Italy (1994) and Belgium (1986).
"I'm convinced that we're going to win, because a coach who goes to a World Cup without thinking he is going to win should retire," Aragones said.
For Ukraine to win anything, striker Andriy Shevchenko must lead the way. But he injured his left knee playing for AC Milan. Goalkeeper Oleksandr Shovkovsky and defender Serhiy Fyodorov are also nursing injuries.
Goalkeeper Oleksandr Shovkovsky has a collarbone injury and defender Serhiy Fyodorov is also nursing an injury.
"My mood is not very bright," Blokhin said. "If it continues in such a way, then we will have big problems.
"Of course, with Shevchenko we have one team and without him it is quite another team."
