Hi--
This is not entirely on topic, but as I know Spain has joined most of the rest of the world in futbol-mania right now, I would like to advertise my cluelessness and ask for some basic info about what's going on in the World Cup. Here's what I know (it isn't much)--a bunch of countries have national teams playing in a huge competition over a number of days (weeks? months?). France just lost, which is a surprise.

Unlike many Americans, I do actually understand soccer (as we call it) and even played as a kid (which many American children, both boys and girls, do!). But the media coverage here is either sparse or assumes that you have a deep understanding of the long history of international soccer competition. I certainly don't!!!

So...would someone tell me a bit about Spain's team and their prospects in the competition? I've tried to check in online, but my rusty Spanish fails me when I have to try to read about sports.

Many thanks!
Tara

This site is the official site, in English, which is pretty explanatory. Basically, the world is divided into various regions, the winners of these regions go to the Cup every 4 years.

http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/