Spain face Ukraine in the opening match of Group H at the Zentralstadion, Leipzig, with one of the two teams expected to progress from the group looking to gain an early advantage at the other’s expense.

Spain coach Luis Aragones wants his side to shake off their ‘perennial underachievers’ tag and produce a performance that underlines their undoubted quality. Spain haven’t managed to progress beyond the quarter-final stages for more than half a century and must be looking at this tournament to improve upon that dismal record.

"Historically, we've not achieved good results at the World Cup,” Aragones said. "It's not surprising people don't have much faith in us. But it's time to show how good we really are."

Although doubts remain over the fitness of Ukraine’s star striker, Chelsea’s new signing Andriy Shevchenko, Aragones is well aware that he is not the only danger that the World Cup debutants possess.

"Ukraine are not just Shevchenko. They have a lot of other class players and we will have a tough task stopping their counter-attacks," said the 67-year-old Furia Roja boss. “They are lethal on the counter-attack and they go forward with four or five players.''

Aragones is expected to start with Fernando Torres and David Villa leading the attack, with Raul consigned to the substitutes bench after a season blighted by injury and criticism in the Spanish media for his displays in the national side.

However, Raul believes his enforced layoff could be to his advantage: "In previous tournaments I have always arrived thinking I had to take it easy to make sure I hit the important games in the best possible form. But after three months out I am feeling better prepared for this tournament physically and mentally. I'm very confident this time round," said the 28-year-old Real Madrid legend.

The all-time leading goalscorer for Spain, Raul also thinks they could surprise a lot of people who may well underestimate their chances: "We aren't among the favourites to win," he said. "But there are sides like us or the Netherlands that could spring a surprise."

Arsenal’s teenage midfield sensation, Cesc Fabregas is also bullish about his country’s chances in the tournament: "I believe we have one of the best technical teams in the world and we know it. I think we can do something here in Germany."

With Chelsea’s Asier del Horno ruled out of the tournament, Mariano Pernia – having only made his international debut last week - is set to start at left-back. Otherwise, Spain do not have any injury concerns.

Ukraine’s coach Oleg Blokhin is unconcerned about the quality of the Spaniards, believing his team have the resources to provide the victory.

"Of course Spain is a favourite, but Spain has to be afraid of us, not the other way around. Tunisia is just as dangerous for us," Blokhin said. "African teams are famous for surprising their opponents. And any team coached by Roger Lemerre is capable of surprises. So a win over Spain would be good."

As mentioned, Andriy Shevchenko remains an injury doubt ahead of the encounter. The 29-year-old has been nursing a knee injury for a month and has only played a peripheral role in preparations. Blokhin is likely to wait until the last minute to make his decision.

Spain (probable): Casillas, Ramos, Puyol, Ibanez, Pernia, Senna, Alonso, Xavi, Luis Garcia, Torres, Villa.

Ukraine (probable): Shovkovsky, Yezersky, Rusol, Vashchyuk, Nesmachny, Husin, Tymoshchyuk, Shelayev, Rotan, Rebrov, Belik.

Referee: Massimo Busacca (Switzerland)