World Cup: Spain

Spain (Group D)

FIFA World Ranking: 15

Players to Watch: Raul Gonzalez (F), Fernando Morientes (F), Andoni Zubizaretta (GK)

Prospects: The always talented but often underachieving Spanish squad looks to make a splash at France '98. They can do just that early on in their first-round meeting with 1996 Olympic champions Nigeria. The game should be one of best match-ups of the first round. If talented striker Raul Gonzalez can live up to the hype and handle the pressure heaped on his 20-year-old shoulders, Spain could go far.

First Round opponents: Nigeria (6/13), Paraguay (6/19), Bulgaria (6/24)