How they got there: Survived an embarrassing defeat in Northern Ireland to qualify comfortably as group winners.
Coach- Luis Aragones: The controversial coach has been in situ since July 2004 and rescued a qualification campaign that seemed to be going off the rails as Spain claimed 25 points out of 27 having taken three out of the first nine available.
Star player- Fernando Torres: The Liverpool striker has made an instant impact in the Premier League and his searing pace, technique and finishing will make him one of the most feared forwards at the finals.
Tactics:Aragones has an embarrassment of riches in midfield, with the side expected to line up in a 4-4-2 formation.
Strengths:Spain have quality in depth, with a core of world-class players - Iker Casillas in goal, Sergio Ramos in defence, Cesc Fabregas, Xavi and Andres Iniesta in midfield and Torres and David Villa up front.
Weaknesses:: Spain have an awful habit of crumbling at big tournaments, and added to that is the fact a number of the players could be on their last legs after demanding seasons in La Liga, the Premier League and the Champions League.
Verdict:Have enough strength and quality to easily get out of their group, but Italy's greater nous should triumph if they meet in the last eight.
If they were a band they would be: The Stone Roses
Helpful translation- "¿Alguien dijo los embotelladores de la grande-etapa?" is "Did someone say 'big stage bottlers'?."
