The final group to preview is that of Group H, containing Spain, Ukraine, Tunisia & Saudi Arabia.
Spain
Spain are the World Cups underachievers, they have been to the last 8 world cups now and the furthest point they have reached has been the quarter finals, and again this year they have a strong squad mixing experienced players like Raul and Puyol with younger players like Fabregas and Torres. They have an impressive array of attackers this year, with Raul, Torres, Garcia & Reyes, but defensively I am not too sure as they appear to lack a strong centre back like Hierro or Helguera. My Prediction: Group Winners.
Ukraine
This is the first world cup for the former russian state, and if ever there was a side in the tournament relying on one player it is the Ukraine and Chelsea bound Andriy Shevchenko. Aside from Shevchenko, only Voronin, the Leverkusen striker plays outside of the Ukraine/Russia, so they have a relatively uknown squad, however Spurs fans will remember the torrid time that Sergei Rebrov had. That said, they have a relatively easy group in my opinion, and they should be able to beat both Tunisia & Saudi Arabia. My Prediction: Group Runners Up.
Tunisia
This is the third World Cup in a row that Tunisia have played in, and after winning the African Nations Cup two years ago, they have a relatively strong squad. European fans will recognise several of the players, such as Trabelsi the Ajax defender & Radhi Jaidi from Bolton, whilst several of the squad ply their trade in France. Managed by Roger Lemerre, who helped France to the Euro 2000 title, but failed with them 4 years ago in Japan & South Korea, they are not going to be as easy a pushover as first appears. My Prediction: 3rd Place.
Saudi Arabia
The Saudi’s, in their 4th World Cup in a row, will mainly be hoping not to receive as large a thumping as last world cup when Germany put 8 past them. Their main threat is from Sami Al-Jaber who is a legend at home, and has played in the last 4 World Cups. Their entire squad plays in the Saudi league, so they have a very insular squad, and I don’t expect much from them. My Prediction: 4th Place.