Spain

Current European Champions, World Cup favourites and their fellow countrymen had the joy of being stage-crashed at Eurovision by a randomer from the crowd, could life be any better for this previously underperforming nation?

The answer is an affirmative no. The first country ever to qualify for the World Cup having won all ten of their European qualifying group games. Only five goals were conceded, twenty-eight netted. Unstoppable? Not quite, they have lost one game in their last 45 competitive games (a 2-0 lost to the USA in the Confederations Cup semi-final). There is hope for everyone else yet.

But then once again the realisation occurs, Cesc Fabregas and Marcos Senna cannot hold down a place in the starting XI. Fabregas, one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, does not start regularly for his national side, just how good are they?

You think there must be a mistake, someone must be able to be moved around to let him in, but then you notice Xabi Alonso plays the defensive role. Liverpool have collapsed without him, his passing range second to none – well, apart from two other Spanish midfielders.

The midfield three in front of Alonso are David Silva, Xavi and Iniesta. The jaw simply drops. No wonder Thierry Henry came off the pitch for France after playing Spain shrugging and saying “You can’t get the ball off them.”

Yet, their passing is not just accurate but it is also cutting. Every one of them can open-up a defence easier than eating a biscuit before dinner because you are that hungry. Like a bull to the red rag, expect to see a few frustrated opposing midfielders try to prevent this unit in the only way possibly, inevitably leading to a red card.

If you thought the midfield was unbelievable you may find yourself in shock when you hear the calibre of the two main strikers – Fernando Torres and David Villa. Actually, you probably won’t be in shock, because you cannot fail to know these two players. Even in an injury filled season for Liverpool Torres has been their best player. As for David Villa he has scored 36 goals in 55 caps. The pair are unstoppable.

The defence is supposedly weak. Pique and Puyol evidentially are much poorer than I notice. One was one of the world’s best centre-backs yet remains to play at a high level, the other is becoming the world’s best centre-back. Both play for Barcelona, this extended relationship will help make them stable.

The Spanish keeper is Iker Casillas. With 102 caps he is one of the most experienced players at the World Cup. He is also the captain of the Spanish side, keeping Pepe Reina firmly on the bench. His ability and agility have kept him at the top of his game throughout his distinguished career.

Vicente Del Bosque is the man in charge of picking the team, however, I think even the likes of you and me could manage this side. There really is not much too it. How can you mess up a side so unstoppable?

So are Spain going to do what people expect this year and finally conquer the World? The statistics, the players, and the scorelines all suggest the same outcome, their name should be etched into the history books come the end of the tournament. If they lose, they will go down as the greatest team ever not to win.