Who Ate All The Bratwurst

5 Conclusions: Switzerland v Ukraine

1 Consensus yesterday was that the World Cup is spoilt by farcical games such as Holland v Portugal, but at least that was entertaining. Switzerland v Ukraine was not.

2 Referee Benito Archundia Tellez must have received a personal FIFA directive to keep his cards in his pocket this evening. He ignored a couple of challenges warranted cards.

3 Switzerland got exactly what they deserved - so defensive they couldn't even score from the penalty spot.

4 Leonardo's softly-spoken voice has suddenly gone so deep, quiet and Brazilian that I can't tell what he is saying in the BBC studio anymore.

5 At least Italy are not as defensive as they once were. Italy v Ukraine should make an interesting quarter-final.

Rob Parker

Bratwurst awards ceremony for the World Cup losers

Just like the headteacher at a failing school's awards evening, here at Bratwurst we want to make sure that nobody goes home empty handed. This is our awards ceremony full of token prizes for those teams whose World Cup dream is now over after first round elimination.

Join us in this celebration of mediocrity and allow me to hand you over to our host with most: Mr Mick McCarthy.

The Award for having most players in the second round without qualifying
And the winner is: Poland
The Poles may be out, but Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose are still flying the flag (the German flag though).

The Award for best Premiership blast from the past
And the winner is: Paulo Wanchope (Costa Rica)
The gangly forward is reportedly angling for a return too.

The Award for talking a good game
And the winner is: Paraguay
They were all mouth before the tournament and didn't deliver.

The Award for outstanding effort
And the winner is: Trinidad and Tobago
Nobody expect anything other than three heavy defeats for T&T and they proved everyone wrong.

The Award for being the best team not to qualify for the second round
And the winner is: Ivory Coast
Gave an excellent account of themselves, but the Group of Death was a bit too deadly for them.

The Award for messiest World Cup divorce
And the winner is: Serbia & Montenegro
S&M will go their separate ways now. Not sure who gets the kids.

The Award for worst World Cup haircut
And the winner is: Loco (Angola)
No need for any comment here.

The Award for the participating country most likely to get bombed by America
And the winner is: Iran
Unless George Dubya has been wooed by their carpet pennants.

The Award for furthest distance travelled downhill after an opening match
And the winner is: Czech Republic
So full of promise after whipping the USA, but it all ended in tears.

The Award for the coach with the more plausible name for a World Cup venue
And the winner is: Bruce Arena (USA)
"Welcome to the Bruce Arena in Frankfurt for today's game between..."

The Award for most referees eliminated from the World Cup
And the winner is: Croatia
With a little help from Mr Poll himself, of course!

The Award for giving Brazil a scare before getting thrashed
And the winner is: Japan
You can never keep Ronaldo down. Weebles wobble but they don't fall down.

The Award for most French hearts put in mouths
And the winner is: South Korea
They nearly sneaked through after that late equaliser against Les Bleus.

The Pierre van Hooijdonk Award for most strikes threatened
And the winner is: Togo
If only they had spent as much time on the training ground as they had at the negotiation table.

The Award for packing midfield and not scoring enough goals
And the winner is: Tunisia
Couldn't change their system even when they needed a win against Ukraine.

The Award for most surnames in a squad beginning with 'Al'
And the winner is: Saudi Arabia
No fewer than 12 of the Saudi squad were Al something.

Rob Parker

Day 15 preview & predictions

Just four games left in Germay 06's group stage. You'll miss it when it's gone.

3pm Saudi Arabia v Spain, Group H, Kaiserslautern (BBC Interactive)
3pm Ukraine v Tunisia, Group H, Berlin (BBC1)
8pm Togo v France, Group G, Cologne (BBC1)
8pm Switzerland v South Korea, Group G, Hanover (BBC3)

click below for full preview & predictions…

Day 15 preview & predictions cont…

3pm Saudi Arabia v Spain, Group H, Kaiserslautern (BBC Interactive)

Spain have already qualified for the last 16 and they'll probably top Group H, unless they lose to the Saudis and Ukraine thumps Tunisia. Doubtful. The Saudis need to win this game and hope that Ukraine v Tunisia is a draw. On previous form, there's about as much chance of that happening as Ronaldo breaking into a run.
Player cam: This game is the ideal opportunity for Fernando Torres and David Villa to overtake Miroslav Klose in the Golden Boot running. Spain should be much too strong for their Middle Eastern opponents.
Prediction: Saudi Arabia 0 – 2 Spain

* * * * *

3pm Ukraine v Tunisia, Group H, Berlin (BBC1)

Who comes back from the dead after a 4-0 hammering in its opening World Cup match? Well, a team with Saudi Arabia and Tunisia to face, that's who. Ukraine can count themselves lucky that they're in such an easy group. As long as the Saudis don't beat Spain, Ukraine will go through with a win or a draw. If Tunisia beats Ukraine and Spain beats the Saudis, they will go through – there's a lot riding on this for both teams.
Player cam: Vladyslav Vashchyuk is back for Ukraine after a suspension.
Prediction: Ukraine 1 – 1 Tunisia

* * * * *

8pm Togo v France, Group G, Cologne (BBC1)

France won't have an easier game in which to try and find some form. Togo are already out and will surely find it hard to motivate themselves for this match. Zinedine Zidane is suspended after two yellow cards, which means Frank Ribery will probably come in to the starting XI. Jean-Paul Abalo returns for Togo.
Player cam: Can't understand why the in-form Louis Saha hasn't played more for France. I hope Domenech has the balls to start him today, rather than the overrated Trezeguet.
Prediction: Togo 0 – 5 France

* * * * *

8pm Switzerland v South Korea, Group G, Hanover (BBC3)

A draw with Korea is enough for Switzerland to qualify. If France fail to beat Togo, both Switzerland and South Korea qualify for the last 16. If France beat Togo by at least two goals and South Korea don't beat the Swiss, the Koreans are eliminated. If France beat Togo by a one goal margin and South Korea draw with Switzerland, the tiebreaker 'goals scored' becomes decisive for France and South Korea. Got that? (I haven't…)
Player cam: Swiss midfielder Tranquillo Barnetto has really impressed me so far.
Prediction: Switzerland 1 – 1 South Korea

Nostradamus tips Spain to win the World Cup

The Spanish public might not have held out much hope for their national team before the World Cup kicked off, but their usual optimism is back with a vengeance and now they believe Nostradamus has tipped them to win the competition.

Spanish newspaper 20 Minutos quotes Nostradamus as predicting: "In the sixth month of 2006 the King of Spain will cross the Pyrenees with his troops. The legions of Beelzebub will battle him in central Europe and suffer doom and destruction. The Holy Grail will then come to Spain." Sounds a bit violent to me. If the referees are clamping down on shirt-pulling, I doubt you can get away with doom and destruction. [Via BBC]

Rob Parker

5 Conclusions: Spain v Tunisia

1 Spain are not the invincibles they appeared from their first match, but they still managed to grind the result out.

2 Roger Lemerre (pictured) is on something. He had his crazy eyes on all match!

3 Joaquin must not have many friends in the Spain squad. A pass to him seemed to be the last resort. On several occasions he was wide open on the right flank.

4 Martin O'Neill's half-time punditry was a breath of fresh air - in depth tactical analysis outlining exactly what Spain had to do to win the match. ITV, on the other hand, got a cricketer in to analyse the Brazil v Australia match.

5 Bet of the Day finally has a winner!

Rob Parker

Germany 2006: Day 11 preview & predictions

Perhaps not the most exciting day on paper, but I'm sure looking forward to seeing Spain in action again. Still not sure if Togo are going to turn up, the crazy mavericks…

2pm Togo v Switzerland, Group G, Dortmund (BBC, Live Blog on Bratwurst)
5pm Saudi Arabia v Ukraine, Group H, Hamburg (ITV)
8pm Spain v Tunisia, Group H, Stuttgart (BBC)

Click below to read the full preview & predictions

Germany 2006: Day 11 preview & predictions cont…

2pm Togo v Switzerland, Group G, Dortmund (BBC, Live Blog on Bratwurst)

Togo's players, still sqabbling over bonus money, threatened to boycott this match but Fifa had a quiet word in their ear: 'If you boycott this match, you'll be ejected from Fifa and never play in a World Cup again'. Or something like that. Anyway, it looks like the match will go ahead now. Can't see how a team in such disarray can hope to compete against the well-drilled Swiss, but in football you never know. This is the first time the two nations have played each other, btw.
Player cam: Swiss hotshot Alexander Frei should add his name to the list of Germany '06 goalscorers this afternoon.
Prediction: Switzerland 3 – 0 Togo

* * * * *

5pm Saudi Arabia v Ukraine, Group H, Hamburg (ITV)

Another game with no previous: this is the first ever Saudi v Ukraine match. Bit of a coin toss as to who'll win, but Ukraine can't be as bad as they were against Spain and should have too much quality for their opponents. Saudi skipper Sami Al Jaber, who scored in the 2-2 draw with Tunisia, has shaken off a thigh injury and will play. Ukraine are without suspended defender Vladyslav Vashchuk, who was sent off in their 4-0 loss to Spain.
Player cam: Will we see another disillusioned/isolated Shevchenko? I doubt it.
Prediction: Saudi Arabia 1 – 2 Ukraine

* * * * *

8pm Spain v Tunisia, Group H, Stuttgart (BBC)

Spain are the second-best team (behind Argentina) at Germany '06… so far. They strolled through the toughest match in their group, and it would appear that complacency is the biggest danger to Torres, Villa and co, who are now unbeaten in 23 games. And guess what – these nations have never met before either! A day for new rivalries to be forged.
Player cam: Spain' s David Villa is the surprise new favourite to be the tournament's Golden Boot. He has a great chance to strengthen that position today.
Prediction: Spain 2 – 0 Tunisia

Bet of the Day: Spain to continue their goalscoring form

Spain's form against Ukraine, and Tunisia shipping two goals in an open game against Saudi Arabia, suggests that there could be goals in today's 8pm BST match. Blue Square has four or more goals being scored at 9/4 or 11/1 on a 3-1 Spain victory.

Rob Parker

LIVE BLOG: Spain 4–0 Ukraine

Click below to access the Live Blog for Spain v Ukraine (don't forget to refresh your browser for updates). Post your comments as the match progresses… FYI, 3 subscribers can check out the highlights of the game for free on their mobile.

LIVE BLOG: Spain v Korea

watch this space…

Hi everyone, welcome to the Spain v Ukraine live blog. Another very sunny day in Germany as the national anthems play out… and, of course, ITV goes to another ad break…

1min Swiss ref… should be neutral (ho ho). And we're off… Shevchenko starts for Ukraine, but Raul only on the bench for Spain.

3min Fast pace to the opening few minutes, Spain looks a bit livelier… no goalmouth incident yet… spoke too soon, Ramos pull-back in the box is wasted by Xavi, who drags his low shot wide.

6min Great run down the left by Torres and he wins a corner for Spain… punched out well by the Ukraine keeper, to Puyol, who spanks it into row Z.

8min Promising start by Spain, who look much sharper than Ukraine. They really look up for this. Haven't seen anything of Shevchenko yet… Luis Garcia blasts over from a narrow angle on the left of the box.

10min Decent Ukraine attack down the right, but caught offside. Ukraine is yet to get into its stride… 'Spain look a little bit more co-ordinated' says ITV's David Pleat. Have to agree Pleaty.

12min 1-0 SPAIN Shevchenko wrongly ruled offside when he was through on goal. Unlucky. Not the first time Spain has played the offside trap. Risky business with Shevvy on the pitch… a Senna screamer is tipped over the bar by Shovkovskiy… GOAL!!! From the resulting corner, Liverpool's Luis Garcia nips in and his near-post header goes in. Hint of a deflection but Garcia will claim it. 1-0 Spain.

15min Spain look tasty, Ukraine rattled. Btw, you try typing Shovkovskiy at high speed. Not easy.

17min 2-0 SPAIN Yellow card for Ukraine defender Andriy Rusol, for a foul on Pernia… GOAL!!! Valencia's David Villa slams the ball into the back of the net from the resulting free-kick, some 20 yards out. Hint of another deflection, leaving the keeper with no chance. 2-0 Spain.

19min Just like to boast that we're miles faster and more in-depth than the BBC Sport live blog of this match. Oh, and it looks like the first goal came off Xabi Alonso last, maybe off his shoulder.

21min Can Ukraine get back in the match? Not on the evidence so far. Ukraine were the first team to qualify for the World Cup from Europe, but Spain are destroying them.

23min Not a great start to Ukraine's first ever World Cup finals match. Cut to a crowd shot of a fat Spanish fan with a big drum.

25min 'Make the opposition chase the ball,' is David Pleat's advice to Spain… a replay of the second goal shows that there was indeed a deflection, leaving the Ukraine keeper stranded :(

27min 'Lovely feet' from little Luis Garcia of Liverpool. Spain's passing is pinpoint accurate at the moment. Ukraine can't get out of its half… a Ukraine player (didn't see who) stands on the ball, summing up their abject performance so far.

30min Alonso is now the confirmed scorer of Spain's first goal (for you JP!)… Ukraine on the attack for once… Yezerskiy's cross is cleared by Sergio Ramos though.

33min Gusin has a shot on goal for Ukraine but he never really got hold of it. A comfortable save for Casillas. Spain have 8 shots on goal, Ukraine just 2… good work down the right by Torres forces a corner to Spain… and another corner to Spain, taken by Xavi… Torres's header flies over the bar.

35min Shot of Franz Beckenbauer in the crowd. He gets around, doesn't he? … Torres's pace is really troubling the Ukraine defenders.

37min Slower pace to the game now, Spain using the width of the pitch really well, moving their opponents around with ease. Maybe it's time for a siesta?

39min Well, look on the bright side Ukraine - Tunisia and Saudi Arabia are waiting in the wings. Should be capable of picking up six points there.

41min No threat from Andriy Shevchenko yet - his midfield is giving him no service at all, mostly because the Spanish midfield, which looks very well-balanced, is in total control.

42min Stating the obvious perhaps, but Ukraine desperately need a goal before half-time… Shevvy plays a neat through-ball into the box but Voronin is called offside (a close call).

44min Spain's efficient offside trap catches out Shevchenko again… Villa bursts into the Ukraine box but his shot is weak and Ukraine's counter-attack is broken up by Carles Puyol. Half-time approaching fast…

45min Ref blows for half-time. Spain 2-0 Ukraine. Terrific display so far by the Spanish.

Back in 15mins… Again, we don't want to sound big-headed (hell no), but the Bratwurst live blog has completely outplayed its BBC counterpart in the first half. The Beeb is slow to the ball and creating few chances. Bratwurt's XI is all over them!

Ruud Gullit makes a good point for ITV: Spain and Brazil like to play in the same way, but Spain's strikers are working twice as hard as Brazil's (especially Rotundo).

Based on the first half, I'd put Spain up there with Argentina, Italy and the Czech Republic as the most impressive teams seen so far.

46min 3-0 SPAIN Penalty to Spain, Vashchuk sent off… David Villa to take it… he scores!!! Terrible decision by the Swiss ref. Never a penalty.

49min That's torn it for Ukraine. Vashchuk very unlucky to be sent off for a slight tug on Torres's jersey inside the box.

52min Villa almost gets his hat-trick but the Ukraine keeper blocks his shot. This could become a rout. Can see Spain getting a couple more before the end. Yellow card for Yezerskiy, for bringing down a flying Fernando Torres.

54min Raul and Abelda set to come off the subs' bench in next few minutes. Spain are coasting now.

56min David Villa and Xabi Alonso taken off for Raul and Abelda. So Spain has the luxury of being able to take off its goalscorers. Nice work.

57min FYI, I was taking a half-time toilet break and missed two Ukraine half-time substitutions: Shelayev and Vorobey on for Gusev and Gusin.

60min This is now the proverbial walk in the park for Spain. The one consolation for Ukraine is that Tunisia and Saudi Arabia are eminently beatable, so Shevvy and co can still make the second round.

62min Voronin goes very close for Ukraine, but his volley flies past Casillas's right-hand post. Unlucky.

64min Ukraine forward Serhiy Rebrov (Spurs flop) comes on for Rotan… Senna bursts the net for Spain but the goal is disallowed for a foul in the box by Sergio Ramos. Ukraine's first slice of luck, but too little, too late.

68min Raul is unmarked in the box but his header is aimed straight at Shovkovskiy. This is so easy for Spain now, especially with Ukraine down to 10 men.

70min Will Spain go for the throat or sit back and ping the ball around in the final 20 minutes? At the moment they're still looking for a fourth goal.

73min Rebrov gets a great chance in the middle of the penalty box but he lashes the ball over the bar. Arsenal fans will be having a chuckle at at that.

75min Ramos pushes Shevchenko in the back and Ukraine have a free-kick wide on the left… the ball breaks to Voronin but Casillas deals easily with his bouncing shot.

78min The Swiss ref is taking a water break. Very hot in Leipzig… Spain make their third and final substitution: Arsenal's 19-year-old prodgy Cesc Fabregas comes on for Luis Garcia.

80min David Pleat thinks that Rooney and Owen are capable of breaking the Spanish offside trap. Not so sure. If they were both fully fit, then yes. But they're not. Game stopped temporarily for a drinks break.

82min 4-0 SPAIN Goooooooooaaaaaaaalllll!!! Torres bangs in Spain's fourth. A wonderful flowing move, featuring a Zidane turn by Puyol (!) ends with Torres getting the goal he deserved. The best team goal of the tournament.

85min We want five, we want five!

86min What is it with footballers and tattoos on the inside of their arms?

87min On today's showing, Fernando Torres is the best player of the tournament so far. He's still full of running.

90min Casillas comes way out of his area and misses the ball completely, but the tireless Voronin is well-tackled by Pablo… Casillas grins sheepishly.

91min Two minutes of added time… Shevchenko dances around a couple of Spanish defenders but can't get his shot away. FULL-TIME Spain 4-0 Ukraine

FYI, 3 subscribers can check out the highlights of the game for free on their mobile. Thanks for following the game with us. Spain looked very tasty!

Spain v Ukraine: LIVE BLOG today @ 2pm

Spain, the last of the World Cup's big guns, rolls into action this afternoon against Ukraine, and we'll be doing a live blog (probably the best live blog in the world) of all the action. So if you are stuck at work and can't see a TV or if you just want to engage in some banter as the match progresses, then join us at 2pm. See you then…

GROUP H: The Verdict

Our final group verdict would appear fairly clear-cut. Surely Spain and Ukraine will have too much quality for also-rans Tunisia and Saudi Arabia? Click below to find out how we think they'll finish…

GROUP H: HOW THEY'LL FINISH

1st Ukraine Very solid team and Shevchenko should make hay against Tunisia and the Saudis.

2nd Spain Will probably struggle in one of their so-called easier games (could see Tunisia picking up a draw against them) but should go through in the end, having done things the hard way.

3rd Tunisia Was tempted to put the north Africans through in second, cause they are a decent side, but I think they'll just fall short.

4th Saudi Arabia Can't see them making any impact against the other three teams. Will find it hard to pick up any points.

So Ukrain and Spain make it to the second round from Group H.

Based on previous Bratwurst predictions, they join Germany and Poland from Group A, England and Sweden from Group B, Argentina and Holland from Group C, Portugal and Mexico from Group D, the USA and Ghana from Group E, Brazil and Croatia from Group F and France and Switzerland from Group G.

We'll do our knockout stages predictions soon…

And here's how the bookies (Blue Square) see Group H:

Spain 8-13
Ukraine 2-1
Tunisia 7-1
Saudi Arabia 18-1

Team Guide: UKRAINE

The end is near Bratwurst readers. Welcome to Bratwurst team guide number 32 of 32. It has been a hell of a journey, but Germany is now in sight. Last stop Ukraine.

Ukraine, Group H

14 June vs SPAIN (2pm*, Leipzig)
19 June vs SAUDI ARABIA (5pm, Hamburg)
23 June vs TUNISIA (3pm, Berlin)
*all times BST

World Ranking 45

How they qualified
Topped a competitive group featuring Turkey, Denmark and Greece becoming the first European country to qualify. Away wins in Turkey and Greece proved to be decisive. They drew four of their 12 games and suffered a solitary defeat at home to Turkey.

World Cup history
It was third time lucky for Ukraine who lost in the play-offs in their previous two attempts to qualify.

Star man
No contest - Chelsea's new record signing Andriy Shevchenko is a class above the rest of the Ukrainian squad. The former AC Milan striker is a lethal finisher who makes scoring goals look simple. He is deceptively fast and strong enough to trouble any defender. Shevchenko is about as close as you can get to the complete centre-forward. The 29-year-old is still at the top of his game. He has apparently recovered from a knee injury and could feature in Ukraine's warm-up game against Luxembourg tonight.

Strengths
Shevchenko and Sergei Rebrov - the attacking pairing that propelled Dynamo Kiev to great things in the 1990s.
Strong going forward.

Weaknesses
Not enough quality in defence and particularly midfield.
The first time qualifiers lack top-level experience. Most of the squad play their football in Ukraine.

Did you know?
A number of animal species have been introduced to the area Chernobyl. Some animals are reported to be living in deserted houses in the town.

Odds 66-1 (Blue Sq)

Verdict
Despite this being their first World Cup, Ukraine should have enough quality to qualify for the second round. This will be heavily reliant on Shevchenko firing on all cylinders. If Ukraine are not at their best then Tunisia will be ready to pounce. If they do qualify, that could set up a second round meeting with France, who I think they would cause problems for. Potential quarter-finalists.

Rob Parker

Team Guide: TUNISIA

It is time for the penultimate Bratwurst team guide. By now you must by nearly full to the brim with football knowledge and pub trivia, but make room for our next installment so you can impress your mates with your knowledge of Tunisia.

TUNISIA, Group H

14 June vs SAUDI ARABIA (5pm*, Munich)
19 June vs SPAIN (8pm, Stuttgart)
23 June vs UKRAINE (3pm, Berlin)
*all times BST

World Ranking 21

How they qualified
By the skin of their teeth. They went into their final game with north African rivals - and the only serious contenders in their qualifying - Morocco needing a point to qualify. A last minute equaliser meant Tunisia qualified ahead of Morocco by one point. Defeat in Kenya was the only major slip-up of their campaign.

World Cup history
This is Tunisia's fourth World Cup and their third consecutive qualification. They have yet to get beyond the group stage.

Star man
Tunisia are not really a team of star performers. Francileudo dos Santos top-scored in qualifying with seven goals, but then again he did help himself to four in one match against Malawi. The most consistent performer is arguably Ajax defender Hatem Trabelsi. The full-back has a Brazilian philosophy on the role of defenders. He loves to make runs with the ball, but is also capable of defending. At the age of 29, Trabelsi will be playing in his third World Cup.

Strengths
High on confidence after their African Cup of Nations success earlier this year.
The experience of France's European Championship winning coach Roger Lemerre.
A strong team ethic stemming from the aforementioned lack of stars.

Weaknesses
For 'lack of stars' read lack of world class players.
A phobia of getting past the group stage.

Did you know?

You cannot buy Tunisian currency (dinar) outside of Tunisia and you cannot take it out when you leave the country.

Odds 300-1

Verdict

The unexpected success in the African Cup of Nations has over-inflated their FIFA World Ranking. They are still unlikely to break their first round duck, but this is probably their best chance so far to do so. A solid team who are probably better than Saudi Arabia on paper and can challenge Ukraine on their day. Second spot is not out of the question, but I expect them to finish third.

Rob Parker

Team Guide: SPAIN

Buenos dias, Bratwurst readers. Just three teams are left for us to examine before the big kick-off. As the official Bratwurst poet laureate so succinctly put it when I spoke to him yesterday:

Of the three that remain

It is fairly plain

That Spain pose more threat

Than Tunisia or Ukraine.

Spain, Group H

14 June vs UKRAINE (2pm*, Leipzig)
19 June vs TUNISIA (8pm, Stuttgart)
23 June vs SAUDI ARABIA (3pm, Kaiserslauten)
*all times BST

World Ranking 5

How they qualified
Not in the manner they would have liked. The perennial major tournament under-achievers turned qualification under-achievers this time. They finished behind two points behind Serbia and Montenegro. Although they remained unbeaten they drew five of their 10 games. A 5-1 victory at home to Slovakia in the play-offs saw them cruise to the finals though.

World Cup history
It is well-known that Spain under-perform in World Cups. Despite their footballing pedigree the best performance Spain have mustered was a fourth place in 1950. That is despite their eleven previous qualifications. Will number 12 bring better luck?

Star man
This is a tricky one. In practice it is likely to be Fernando Torres or David Villa, but neither are guaranteed to start. If Torres gets the nod, expect him to be the one to shine. The speedy striker has shown great loyalty to Atletico Madrid, the team he skippers despite being just 22 years old. Chelsea might content themselves with Andriy Shevchenko, but expect some of the other big boys to be sniffing round again after the tournament.

Torres weighed in with seven goals in qualifying and has nine goals in 29 games for Spain in total. That ratio might not match up to that of Peter 'International Hotshot' Crouch, but Torres now seems to have settled at international level and is scoring regularly. This compilation of goals shows what he is all about. His fate in Germany will depend on whether coach Luis Aragones can bring himself to leave Raul out of the starting line-up.

Strengths
Great players throughout the team.
The pressure is off. Nobody (bookies included) bothers to expect anything from Spain anymore.

Weaknesses
A possible lack of quality in defence compared to the other top countries.

A belief that no matter what they do, it won't happen for them at the World Cup.

Did you know?

Since 1924, 15 people have been killed in the crazy Running of the Bulls festival in Pamplona.

Odds 14-1 (Blue Sq)

Verdict
The five draws in qualification have helped to hide the fact that Spain are unbeaten in 21 games under Aragones. That must make them 'dark horses' or outsiders for the World Cup. Heard it all before? Yes, me too. Spain should be able to progress to the quarter-finals comfortably enough. At this point they will probably meet Brazil which should spell the end of their tournament. Group H should not provide too many problems for them though. 

Rob Parker

Team Guide: SAUDI ARABIA

The end is near Bratwurst readers. Just like FIFA, we have decided to make Group H our final group. Even though you will be understandably distraught as we enter the final stage of our Bratwurst team guides, console yourselves with the thought that the real thing kicks off in four days.

In the meantime we must crack on with Group H, a group severely lacking in alphabetical diversity. First up is Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia, Group H

14 June vs TUNISIA (5pm*, Munich)

19 June vs UKRAINE (5pm, Hamburg)

23 June vs SPAIN (3pm, Kaiserslauten)

*all times BST

World Ranking 34

How they qualified

Unbeaten and having conceded just two goals in their 12 games across the two group stages of Asian qualification. Finished comfortably clear of South Korea - the only serious threat thy came up against - having beaten them home and away.

World Cup history

Saudi Arabia first qualified in 1994 and have not missed a World Cup since. They have yet to top their feat of reaching the second round accomplished during their World Cup debut.

Star man

Former Wolverhampton Wanderers player Sami Al Jaber is one of the few Saudi players capable of making things happen. He is also one of the few Saudi players with experience of playing club football outside Saudi Arabia. Al Jaber played in USA 94 as a 21-year-old and has been involved in all of Saudi Arabia's World Cup campaigns. He initially retired from international football in 2002 after a poor showing in Japan and Korea, but was persuaded to return in 2005. Now aged 33 and playing in his homeland once again, Al Jaber will still be responsible for producing Saudi Arabia's creative spark.

Strengths

The aforementioned tight defence.

Becoming more experienced as a World Cup nation.

Weaknesses

A lack of top-level experience among the squad.

Brazilian Marcos Paqueta is Saudi Arabia's third coach since 2004.

Did you know?

Saudi Arabia has no rivers or permanent bodies of water.

Odds 750-1 (Blue Sq)

Verdict

Saudi Arabia may be about to play in their fourth World Cup finals, but it is a lack of experience in club football which will count against them in Germany. Nicking a point against Tunisia is probably the best they can hope for as they finish bottom of Group H. A repeat of 1994 is not on the cards and it will be an early exit for the Saudis.

Rob Parker

Andriy Shevchenko signs for Chelsea

Surprise, surprise. As I said before, no other club in the world would be both rich enough and stupid enough to shell out £30 million for a player fast approaching his 30th birthday. Jose Mourinho said of the transfer yesterday: 'Today is a day when the dream became reality. Andriy has always been my first choice for Chelsea since I arrived.' He would say that, wouldn't he?

I admit Shev's still a very good player, but he's not going to get any better. Anyone out there who actually thinks this is good business?

Kit Parade: Saudi Arabia

If you are looking for a bit of an unusual shirt to wear this summer, I expect Saudi Arabia replica shirts will be fairly thin on the ground. Shock horror it's another Puma kit. It features the now familiar camouflaged national symbol - in this case the palm tree and two swords. Just remember not to pack it in your suitcase if you are going on holiday to Group G rivals Spain or Tunisia. You can buy it from UK Soccer Shop.

Rob Parker

Shevchenko almost certain to sign for Chelsea

Andriy Shevchenko has confirmed he's leaving AC Milan, for 'family reasons'. This leaves the door wide open for Chelsea to sign the Ukraine legend – because, let's face it, no-one else is willing to pay more than £100 grand a week for a 29-year-old striker who is past his best. Sure, Shev has been a great player – one of the greatest centre-forwards of the last decade, in fact – but I can't see how this represents good business for the west London club. Do you agree?

Kit Parade: Tunisia

Another of the mind-bending African shirts courtesy of Puma. The Tunisia version features an eagle - an Eagle of Carthage to be precise - camouflaged in the design. Beyond that its basically white with minimal red trim. A good effort but the Ivory Coast elephant is still my favourite. You can buy the Tunisia shirt from Kitbag.

Rob Parker

All 32 squads announced. Here are the full details…

So all 32 World Cup squads have now been announced. Sven wasn't joking: Theo Walcott (pictured) is still in there! World Cup Blog has done the groundwork and compiled an exhaustive list of all the squads, which you can see by visiting Bob and co's excellent site…

Ollie's Baraja misery compounded as Spain announce World Cup squad

Panini Monday fans will be aware that Bratwurst editor Ollie Irish's valiant attempts to complete his sticker album are being tested to the limits by Spain's Ruben Baraja (pictured). Ollie has so far clocked up around five Baraja swaps.

As if that wasn't bad enough, Baraja isn't even going to the World Cup. Spain coach Luis Aragones has announced his squad, and the Valencia midfielder isn't in it. Liverpool's Fernando Morientes has also missed out as Aragones has chosen to go with just three out-and-out strikers. Click here to see the full squad.

Rob Parker

Kit Parade: Spain

Ah, the Spain home kit: that age old holiday souvenir.  This year's effort is a little bland to be honest - plain red with minimal yellow trim.  The Euro 96 Spain shirt was much better than this one.  You probably still won't be able to resist it when it's the last day of your holiday and you can't find anything better to spend your Euros on.  Alternatively, you can buy it from kitbag.

Rob Parker

Loadsa Reffin' Money!

There aren't many good referees about are there? I quite liked Paul Durkin, but he's retired. I really don't like Mike Riley. Thankfully, he's not going to the World Cup finals.

The lucky sods that are taking part are going to be smiling. It's more than mere prestige I can tell you.

You see, the World Cup refs have been given a 100% pay rise, which will see them earn £22,500 each!

The total refereeing bill for the month-long tournament will top £2,250,000, the Daily Mirror said yesterday.

There will be twenty three refs officiating the 64 World Cup matches, and their assistants will be paid the same amount. Bloody Nora!

Refs got £11,250 for the finals in Japan and South Korea four years ago, and of course, there wasn't a dodgy decision in sight... apart from the really ropey ones that saw Spain bow out to the hosts. And loads of others.

Still, FIFA love them and have thought it a good idea to give them an even greater (self inflated) opinion of themselves.

Keep an eye out for Russian linesmen.

One to watch: Fernando Torres, Spain

Torres is just 22 years old, but he has captained Atletico Madrid for more than three seasons and is one of the most accomplished strikers in Spain's Primera Liga…

If Spain is to shake off its 'perennial underachievers' label, Fernando 'El Nino' Torres will have to win the tournament's Golden Boot, or at least go very close. This is possible because Spain have an easy group (it faces Tunisia, Ukraine and Saudi Arabia in Group H). After that, who knows?

Several Premiership clubs have reportedly made approaches to Atletico about signing Torres (including Chelsea and Spurs) but he has so far stayed loyal to his Spanish club. I'm amazed more Premiership clubs haven't made a bigger effort to lure the young Spaniard - he's young, quick, fearless and scores lots of goals. Every time I've seen him in action on Sky Sports, he's looked sharp, though he seems to reserve his best performances for games against arch rivals Real Madrid.

Torres hasn't been quite as successful for his national side, but he's still young and hasn't been given a long enough run in the first XI to establish himself. Germany '06 is the perfect stage for Torres to do just that.

Chelski net Shevchenko?

The Daily Mail reports that Chelsea have agreed terms with AC Milan for Andrei Shevchenko. The Ukraine striker has apparently signed a four-year deal, worth £110,000 a week. That seems a hell of a lot to pay for a player who is almost 30 years old, but it's well known that Roman Abramovich admires Shev.

Joes Mourinho will doubtless see the arrival of Shevchenko – not to mention Michael Ballack – as the solution to Chelsea's Champions League puzzle.