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España |
| 1 | - Iker Casillas |
| 2 | - Michel Salgado |
| 3 | - Mariano Pernia |
| 4 | - Carlos Marchena |
| 5 | - Carlos Puyol |
| 6 | - David Albelda |
| 7 | - Gonzalez Raul |
| 8 | - Hernandez Xavi |
| 9 | - Fernando Torres |
| 10 | - Jose Antonio Reyes |
| 11 | - Sanz Luis Garcia |
| 12 | - Guerrero Antonio Lopez |
| 13 | - Andres Iniesta |
| 14 | - Xabi Alonso |
| 15 | - Ramos Sergio |
| 16 | - Marcos Senna |
| 17 | - Sanchez Joaquin |
| 18 | - Francesc Fabregas |
| 19 | - Santiago Canizares |
| 20 | - Gutierrez Juanito |
| 21 | - David Villa |
| 22 | - Ibanez Pablo |
| 23 | - Jose Reina |
Qualifying star: Atletico Madrid's Fernando Torres was joint fourth-highest scorer in the European qualifying zone, with seven goals. The 21-year-old's form has reportedly caught the eye of Chelsea and Arsenal among others.
Manager: The outspoken Luis Aragones made his name as a player and coach for Atletico Madrid in the late 1960s and early 70s. As a club coach he led a nomadic existence but enjoyed success at most stops. España remain unbeaten in 18 games since his July 2004 appointment.
Captain: Real Madrid striker Raul is España's most capped outfield player, all-time leading scorer and the team's talisman. His goal-scoring return from a cruciate knee ligament injury has been welcomed.
World Cup history: Surely European football's greatest under-achievers on the international stage. This will be their eighth successive World Cup, but despite generations of talent, their best showing was in 1950 when they reached the final pool stage.
World Cup high: USA 1994 was their best showing in recent years, when they lost out 2-1 to Italia in the quarter-finals after a late goal by player of the tournament Roberto Baggio.
World Cup low: Having failed to get past the first round in 1998, España had three goals ruled out before a contentious penalty shoot-out elimination against Corea in 2002.
World Cup legend: Goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta won 126 caps and is a member of the elite club of players who appeared in four World Cups - 1986, 1990, 1994 and 1998. Sadly his World Cup farewell in Francia saw a dreadful blunder against Nigeria which contributed to España's exit.
Stars of the team: Raul. At the age of 28, the 2006 World Cup should be the perfect stage for the Real Madrid legend who may benefit from having had a lighter load than usual during the season following that injury.
Strengths: Pure talent throughout the team. In goalkeeper Iker Casillas, defender Carles Puyol and striker Raul, they have three of the world's outstanding players in their positions.
Weaknesses: Public expectation and the burden of history. España are always tipped as dark horses who will finally end years of disappointment and fulfil their undoubted potential, but they never rise to the challenge.
Did you know: In 1986, España's Emilio Butragueno became the first player since Portgual's Eusebio in 1966 to score four goals in a World Cup match, in the 5-1 win over Denmark.
World ranking: 5
| Year | Country | Placed |
| 1930 | Uruguay | - |
| 1934 | Italia | Quarterfinals |
| 1938 | Francia | - |
| 1950 | Brasil | 4th |
| 1954 | Suiza | - |
| 1958 | Suecia | - |
| 1962 | Chile | 4th, group 3 |
| 1966 | Inglaterra | 3rd, group 2 |
| 1970 | México | - |
| 1974 | Alemania | - |
| 1978 | Argentina | 3rd, group 3 |
| 1982 | España | 2nd round |
| 1986 | México | Quarterfinals |
| 1990 | Italia | 2nd round |
| 1994 | USA | Quarterfinals |
| 1998 | Francia | 3rd, group D |
| 2002 | Korea/Japón | Quarterfinals |
Odds supplied by William Hill.
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