World Cup 2010: Spain

World Cup 2010: SPAIN

FIFA ranking: 1

Overall World Cup record: 22-15-12

Coach: Vicente del Bosque

Best performance: Fourth place, 1950

Overview: The world’s top-ranked team in the latest FIFA rankings, La Roja will be carrying great expectations with it to South Africa. Spain has a mature, balanced roster led by captain Iker Casillas in goal and playmaking midfielder Xavi Hernandez, who keeps the team’s fluid offense running. Strikers David Villa and Fernando Torres are among the world’s best finishers.

-- Kevin Baxter