Spain had to wait forty-four years before triumphing once again on the International stage in major competitions. And after going through some hard times, the country has now clinched the first spot in the Coca Cola Fifa Rankings. They are one of six other nations to occupy the first place despite the fact that they have never won the World Cup.

However, their unbeaten run (over 31 games unbeaten) certainly gives a reason to FIFA mounting them above the likes of World Champions Italy and CONMEBOL winners Brazil to become World Number 1s.

Spain have not lost a game since Romania beat them in a friendly match in November 2006. La Roja had a 100% match record in the Euro Championship in 2008, and this record has been the same in their World Cup qualification campaign.

The likes of Fernando Torres, David Villa, and Iker Casillas, have certainly contributed a lot to Spain's success. But the Spanish national team is also a squad where each and every player on the pitch is good enough to team up with the rest to help La Roja succeed.

Unity is a factor (finally established in the squad) that has transformed La Roja into the best side in the world. But if the Spanish are shining now, does it have something to do with the omission of former captain Raul from the squad's selection?

The Real Madrid number 7 living legend was 'snubbed' by former coach Luis Aragones for the Euros in 2008 while current manager Vicente del Bosque doesn't seem ready to give back to Raul the permanent place he once had in Spain's national team of football.

Spain's Football Team History

Spain created the RFEF (the Royal Spanish Football Federation in Spanish) in 1909 under the model created by England's Football Association.

Spain finally entered international football in 1920 at the Olympic Games in Antwerp and their performance was rewarded with silver medals. The country won their first international home game in Bilbao by defeating Belgium 2-0 and their bright start to International football continued as they became the first country outside Britain to beat England.

But Spain had their lows in 1930 when they failed to enter the World Cup. The Spanish Civil War and the World War II also prevented them from playing competitive football until 1950. Spain finally won their first major title in 1964 after several failed attempts, beating the USSR 2-1 in the final to clinch the European Championship on home soil. Spain hosted the World Cup 18 years later but were unable to triumph as hosts, as Germany ousted them from the tournament.

The Spanish kept failing to achieve success in every major tournament. They had to wait forty-four years - after their first and only trophy in 1964 - before triumphing on the big stage.

In Luis Aragones' era, Spain unconvincingly qualified to the 2006 World Cup where they crushed out from the last sixteen against France in a controversial manner on a day where the Spanish media had questioned the notion of justice in the World Cup after Brazil's 3-0 win against Ghana was branded as 'pure match fixing'.

Spain's old coach Aragones became the victim of high criticism as a result of the team's poor performance during the Euro 2008 Championship qualifiers. But David Villa's heroics saved La Roja and ultimately gave Spain a place in the Europe's prestigious tournament.

Spain beat Sweden, Russia and Greece in the group stages, before cruising through to the final by dramatically beating Italy in the last 8, then Russia in the last four. Spain went on to beat Germany by Fernando Torres' lone goal in the final to clinch their first major trophy in over 40 years.

This victory subsequently offered them a place in this year's Confederations Cup as representatives of Europe's Champions.

It will be Spain's first ever Confederations Cup appearance, as this competition was only created in 1992.

La Roja have been drawn alongside New Zealand, Iraq and hosts South Africa.

Spain's Coach

Vicente del Bosque came in replacement of the resigned Luis Aragones after Spain's Euro 2008 triumph. Del Bosque picked up from where his countryman Aragones had left off, making his managerial national team debut with a 1-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Spain currently maintain a 100% record under Vicente del Bosque, having won every single game whether friendly or competitive.

There is almost no difference between Spain's Euro 2008 performance and Spain's present performance. The difference however, lies in the fact that Del Bosque selects players on merit and not by the size of the name. Four players made their senior national team debut under Spain's new coach, and this includes Barcelona's starlet Bojan Krkic, Llorente, Sevilla's Diego Capel and Andoni Iraola. This shows how serious Del Bosque is, looking ahead to the country's football future.

Key Players:

Xavi Hernandez's presence in midfield is almost indispensable for Spain. The Catalan player has the power to impose his game at the centre of the field and to push it forward with clever passes to the front men.

David Villa is also instrumental, and his remarkable goal-scoring form for his national team makes him one of Spain's best ever footballer.

Iker Casillas is another great player that can do crucial saves. His heroics powered Spain to win the European Championship in Switzerland-Austria and a repeat of his outstanding performance could put Spain on a high in South Africa. However, his recent miserable form for Real Madrid could see him on the brink of losing his place to Pepe Reina even, in the national team.

Surprise package:

Andres Iniesta might be the man behind Spain's victories. The young chap has so much ability on the ball and his desire to rise as a Football Great is letting him become one of the most promising young players in the world of soccer.

Star player:

It could be Fernando Torres again. The Liverpool number 9 became his country's hero after scoring Spain's only goal in the Euro 2008 final. His move from Atletico Madrid to the Merseyside Reds in England has certainly raised his status as a player. Much will be expected from him as he is yet to reaffirm himself as a goal-hauler for La Roja. But Torres can be deadly at times and this is just what Spain might need to triumph in the Confederations Cup in South Africa.