Will it be the same old World Cup story for Spain in Germany in June? Or will Spain finally fulfill their much-vaunted potential and go beyond the quarterfinals stage for the first time since 1950? 

Odds of Spain winning the 2006 World Cup were listed as 15.00 or approximately 15 to 1 at Sports Interaction

Spain has not been absent from the World Cup since 1974. They usually look good to begin with and normally cruise into the second round, as they did four years ago in South Korea and Japan.

But just when the going gets tough, the Spanish get going ... all the way back to Madrid.

All kinds of things go wrong: a terrible referee (against South Korea in 2002), an inspired opponent (Roberto Baggio of Italy in 1994) or a luckless penalty shootout (1986 against Belgium).

"It's true that we normally haven't done as well as we should have," admitted veteran coach Luis Aragones hours after qualifying with a 1-1 draw in Bratislava.

"It's true that Spain has often let down its fans on the big occasion. But maybe this time things will be different."

Luis concluded his press conference in Bratislava by saying "I really believe that this squad is good enough to compete with the really big countries, with Brazil, with Germany, with Italy ..."

Luis, 67, has been in charge for 16 months now and has an enviable unbeaten record after 17 games.

He came in for some criticism after September's 1-1 draw at home to Serbia - which allowed Serbia to finish top of Group 7 - but has made himself popular again after the hammering of Slovakia.

He remains a kind of blunt-talking icon in Spain after 30 years of excellent results in "La Liga".

His optimism about the current Spain squad is shared by most of the players. Captain Raul Gonzalez says: "There is more talent in the squad than at any time in the last nine years, since I started playing for Spain."

In a euphoric mood after the play-off success, Raul claimed: "We are going to Germany to win the World Cup."

Raul, now 28, has not really become the striker he once threatened to be, but nonetheless is still a reliable finisher and a proud battler.

There are several reasons to justify the optimism of Luis and Raul, to believe that it will not be the same old story in Germany of raised then dashed Spanish hopes.

So what are the odds of Spain winning the 2006 World Cup?

In the first place, Spain has a potent attack, as Slovakia will testify.

Youngster Fernando Torres - top scorer in the qualifiers - is fast and talented, and could learn to be more aggressive and economical in the next six months.

Luis said that Fernando could turn out to be one of the top strikers at the World Cup, scoring five or six goals there.

If Torres fails to fulfil his massive potential, then Luis will look to Liverpool veteran Fernando Morientes, Raul's old partner in crime at Real Madrid.

David Villa of Valencia and Albert Luque of Newcastle are both useful youngsters to have on the bench.

Another reason for Spanish optimism is their goalkeeping strength. Iker Casillas of Real, who performed well in 2002, should be one of the most accomplished keepers on show in Germany.

There are, however, reasons to believe that Spain will once again punch below their weight.

The midfield is slow and ponderous. In addition, the defence is porous and lacks a leader, though young Pablo Ibanez of Atletico could still emerge as the boss instead of Barca's energetic but flawed Carles Puyol.

And then of course there is Brazil as the favorite to win the 2006 World Cup, the club that everybody has their eyes on to beat, but will have a tough time in doing so. 

For a full list of 2006 World Cup Betting Odds Go here now.

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Gambling911.com News Wire

Originally published December 3, 2005 9:57 pm EST