Spain's World Cup Challenge Begins Today!

Spain's 2006 Fifa World Cup campaign begins today with their first game against Ukraine commencing at 14:00 (GMT) in Leipzig.

What are Spain's chances then? Well, Spain are gunning to be a bonafide threat this time around. They finished second in their qualifying group having played some lovely football in the qualifying games. The 6-0 drubbing they gave San Marino is testament to this.

How will Spain fare in their first match?

Ukraine are without the talents of star striker Andriy Shevchenko who is injured. This will be a blow for Ukraine and a big boost to Spain. It is anticipated that Spain will play an ambitious 4-3-3 formation (emphasis on an attacking style) but may be without their superstar Raúl who has a niggling knee problem. My prediction is that Spain come through with a 2-1 victory though.

At this point in time the teamsheet looks like this:

CASILLAS Iker
SALGADO Michel
PERNIA Mariano
MARCHENA Carlo
PUYOL Carlos
ALBELDA David
RAUL
XAVI
TORRES Fernando
REYES Jose Antonio
GARCIA Luis
LOPEZ Antonio
INIESTA
XABI ALONSO
RAMOS Sergio
MARCOS SENNA
JOAQUIN
FABREGAS Cesc
CANIZARES Santiago
JUANITO
VILLA David
PABLO
REINA Jose Manuel

Colours for the game

Spain: red shirt, blue shorts, blue socks
Ukraine: yellow shirt, yellow shorts, yellow socks

¡Fuerza España!