Group H

Spain - World Ranking 2

Most people's favourites to scoop the title this summer, Spain picked up where they left off after winning Euro 2008. They breezed through their qualifying campaign, and if they can avoid the injury crisis they is plaguing most other teams they could complete the international double. Although it has been announced Andres Iniesta has suffered injury, with it yet unannounced how long he could be out.

Preparation for the tournament didn't get off to the best of starts, after being knocked out by USA. However they have put that behind them and continued to beat everyone that is put before them.

Strengths

Where do you start? They are full of confidence after their European Championships win two years ago, with many of heir squad coming from Barcelona who have endured two years of dominance in the Spanish league.

They also have the most talented team in tournament by a distance, and if they perform as everyone knows they can they will simply be unstoppable.

Weaknesses

Their seems to be only one real weakness to this Spain side, and that is their age old problem of not performing in big tournaments. Most of the nation are now hoping that is behind them following their Euro success, but it remains to be seen if they can cope with the pressure on the biggest stage of all.

Key Man - Xavi

The Barcelona midfielder has just signed a contract extension with the Catalan club, and after seemingly winning everything their is to win in the last two years all that is left is the World Cup. He dominates games with ease, equally capable of breaking up play and controlling attacks. And if Iniesta can get fit, the two will dominate just as they do for Barcelona.

One to Watch - Juan Manuel Mata

The Valencia winger may not feature all the time for his nation, but is wanted by top clubs all around Europe which highlights his ability. With pace mixed with the ability to pass, cross and shoot he could be a crucial impact sub for Spain if they are in dire straits.

Manager - Vicente Del Bosque

The former Real Madrid manager dominated during his time in the Spanish capital, and is now ready to repeat that as manager of his national side. He took over from Luis Aragones after the 2008 triumph, and he now wants to add that last piece of silverware to his mantle.

Odds - 4/1

Prediction - Will go all the way and be the first European side to win a World Cup outside of Europe.

Chile - World Ranking 15

Chile captured the attention of the world when qualifying for this years world cup. They finished just one point behind Brazil, had the most wins with 10 and were top scorers as they bagged 33 goals.

This is their first World Cup since France 1998, when the talented duo Marcelo Salas and Ivan Zamorano were the deadly duo up front. Chile won't be highly fancied, but Marcelo Bielsa has got a good group of players who importantly have plenty of confidence when they take to the pitch. They are a relatively young side but are still experienced enough not to be over awed when the time comes.

Strengths

Bielsa has a tight group of players, who all believe in each others ability and believe they can make a success of themselves in South Africa this summer. With some players playing in South America or at lower European sides, a good showing could earn them lucrative moves away.

However despite this they do have players who play or have played towards the top end of the game, and the experience they bring to this group of players will be key in them reaching the second round.

Weaknesses

Although having a good group is good, the truth is they are still lacking any world class talent. In a World Cup where sides are more or less filled with top class talent, this could prove to be their downfall.

Key Man - Alexis Sanchez

After starting his career at Colo Colo he made an immediate impression, and earned the nickname of 'el nino maravilla' or 'wonder boy'. After a loan spell at River Plate where he helped them win the title, Udinese spent a bargain £2m to take him Italy. His slight frame makes him a tricky customer, and he is crucial in Chile's style of play.

One to Watch - Matias Fernandez

The Sporting Lisbon play maker can make things happen in the blink of an eye. He has great technique as well dribbling skills, but his most potent weapon will be his effect from dead ball situations in which he is something of a specialist.

Manager - Marcelo Bielsa

After coaching Argentina during their disastrous 2002 World Cup campaign, he restored some of his reputation by winning World Cup gold two years later. Now he is heading back to the grandest stage of all, determined to put right the wrongs that were made eight years ago.

Odds - 50/1

Prediction - Should secure second place in the group, but progression could come to a halt in the second round.

Honduras -World Ranking 40

The Hondurans made it to South Africa by the skin of their teeth after a USA equaliser against Costa Rica saw them through on goal difference. They have only made it to one World Cup before finishing bottom, when Northern Ireland shocked Spain into top spot in their group in 1982. However despite propping up the group then they could actually have their work cut out to beat their performance, as they secured two draws and a loss. Coach Reinaldo Rueda will certainly have his work cut out this summer.

Strengths

Experiences of some of their players in Europe will be crucial, especially Wilson Palacios (see key man below) who will be testing himself in the Champions league next season and has performed very well in the Premiership during his time in England. David Suazo, whose been fluttering aroung Italy for years, is also one of the more senior players who could be crucial.

They also have the element of surprise, as the other countries in the group will no doubt not know a lot about Honduras.

Weaknesses

After relying on goal difference to qualify they don't have a great deal of quality in the squad. It is this lack of world class talent that could ultimately cost them their place in South Africa this summer.

Key Man - Wilson Palacios

Along with David Suazo, Palacios will be looked upon by the squad and the rest of the country as the men who carry their hopes. The robust, hard tackling midfield man has been crucial to Spurs season as they made the Champion League after their fourth place finish in the Premiership. He played a key part in aiding Honduras' qualification, and will need to be on top form to stop his side leaking goals.

One to Watch - Carlos Pavon

To describe Carlos Pavon as experienced would fall well short of the mark. The 36-year-old striker has moved clubs an incredible 20 times, but has more importantly manged to find the net at more or less everyone of his clubs. He is the all time leading scorer for his country, finding the back of the net 57 times in 100 games and despite his age he will be key this summer.

Manager - Reinaldo Rueda

53-year-old Colombian coach Rueda is in his third year as Honduras boss, and is regarded as a success by the fans of the national side. However the University professor will have to work wonders if Honduras are to make the second round.

Odds - 1000/1

Prediction - Will struggle to get a point, and will bow out at the first hurdle.

Switzerland - World Ranking 24

After topping their qualification group you could be forgiven for thinking that Switzerland are in good form, however on closer inspection you will see the relatively easy group they had to navigate through to reach South Africa. Despite this though they still managed one of the more unlikely results in the qualifying phase, a 2-1 loss to a Luxembourg team containing only two professional players on home soil.

Alexander Frei is crucial to their progress, with his injury in the first game of Euro 2008 which Switzerland co-hosted ending their chance of progression. Ottmar Hitzfeld at the helm will be equally as important, his experience could go a long way to snaring second spot in the group behind Spain.

Strengths

With Hitzfeld as manager they have a man who has acheived more than most in the game, and crucially knows how to win. He will no doubt have to utilise all his past experience in ensuring that his side can reach the last 16 phase.

In addition the blend between youth and experience could be crucial to their progress, or at the least will give some younger players in the squad vital game time at the highest level.

Weaknesses

The over reliance on Frei and Tranquillo Barnetta could be a problem, as highlighted at the European Championships two years ago. Other players in the squad will have to step up should they reach the next round

Key Man - Alexander Frei

30-year-old FC Basel striker Frei has top experience at clubs around Europe, particularly in Germany. He is the captain and all time top scorer for his country with 40 goals in 73 games, and if he can stay fit could prove to be that vital bit of quality that this side needs.

One to Watch - Tranquillo Barnetta

In the last World Cup Barnetta was shortlisted for the best young player award, after which his form continued and he cemented his place in the Bayer Leverkusen first team. This season has arguably been his best so far as he helped them to an unbeaten first half of the season, his presence in midfield could just provide a spark that they need to up performances and reach the next round.

Manager - Ottmar Hitzfeld

One of only two managers to have won the Champions League with two different clubs, is the biggest name connected with this squad. His vast experience has been well documented, and his appointment at a lower nation was a big coup for the Swiss. The 61-year-old has twice been voted World Coach of the year, and is entering his third year in this job.

Odds - 200/1

Prediction - Have a chance to reach the second round, but won't get much further.

Next Time

Come back tomorrow when I will be looking at the Stadiums that are to be used in this years World Cup.