Spain in World Cup Qualifiers

With the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa only a year away, the qualifying stages are now well underway, and certain teams are already standing out as being on top form. Spain, in particular, looks set to threaten the title that Italy gained at the 2006 finals: they have so far won all their matches, and conceded only two goals against them.
Spain's chances at this stage look strong, with a six point lead over their nearest group rivals, Bosnia-Herzegovina. Also in Group Six are Turkey, Belgium, Estonia and Armenia. Spain currently have eighteen points, whilst Bosnia-Herzegovina have twelve and Armenia, at the bottom of the table, have just one.

There is a wide variety of talent on the Spanish national side at the moment, with Barcelona players Carlos Puyol and and Xavi Hernandez called up, as well as Real Madrid's right back Sergio Ramos. The popularity of these players is seen by the speed at which Barcelona and Real Madrid tickets are sold in their home nation, so Spain are likely to have a very strong fan base in Johannesburg next year.

Iker Casillas, the Real Madrid goalkeeper, will be taking up his position as Spain's captain, following on from his success in leading them to victory in Euro 2008. Casillas is considered to be Real Madrid's most experienced player, and has gained a number of trophies with the team. He made his first international debut as goalkeeper in the 2002 World Cup in Japan and Korea, and since then has not being challenged for the role by anyone else. He remains the top goalkeeper for Real Madrid and Spain, and if he carries on successfully will soon be considered to be the top goalkeeper in the world.

It seems that Spain's chances in South Africa couldn't be higher. With a talented, world class team and a fan base that stretches much further than the country itself, it is difficult to see how they could be in a better position at this point. They are proving their worth, clearly, by their success in the qualifying stages. For more information on how to buy football tickets , please visit www.spainticketbureau.com .