Soccer: New Zealand's Confederation Cup opponents

Spain (World ranking: 1)

The skinny: Spain's lack of experience could cost them. This is the first time La Selecci'n have qualified for the Confederations Cup and they might be overwhelmed by the prospect of lining up against the might of New Zealand, South Africa and Iraq. Luckily for them, they bring some form into the competition.

They are European champions, the No 1-ranked side in the world and, oh, haven't lost a game in 31 matches dating back to their 1-0 defeat by Romania in a friendly in November 2006. The world record of 36 was set by Brazil between 1993 and 1996.

Star player: Where to start? From Real Madrid's Iker Cassillas in goal to Liverpool's Fernando Torres up front, they are laden with stars. Four of them come fresh from winning the Champions League with Barcelona.

Chances of an upset: An All Whites win would be viewed in much the same way the United States' 1-0 win over England at the 1950 World Cup. It might even spawn a movie starring Sam Neill as Ricki Herbert.

South Africa (World ranking: 72)

The skinny: Bafana Bafana went through a relative golden period in the mid-1990s but times have been tough of late. They missed out on qualifying for both the 2006 World Cup and 2010 African Cup of Nations and will play in the Confederations Cup and next year's World Cup as hosts.

Under Brazilian coach Joel Santana there are signs they might have turned the corner. He has a crop of emerging players who can boast consecutive wins over Ghana and Cameroon.

Star player: Not Benni McCarthy. The Blackburn striker was the pin-up boy of South African football but was the surprise omission from the squad, possibly for making himself unavailable for two matches in March. Steven Pienaar has been in great form for Everton and will anchor the midfield.

Chances of an upset: Not out of the question. The hosts will have plenty of pressure on them and their results have hardly been compelling. Still a long shot, though.

Iraq (World ranking: 77)

The skinny: It was a Hollywood producer's dream. Country in ruins as bitter civil war raged, a team made up of Shiites, Sunnis, Kurds and Christians (who couldn't even train in their homeland for fear of a terrorist attack) shock the footballing world with victory over Saudi Arabia in the final of the 2007 Asian Cup.

Fans celebrated in the only way they know how - firing their Kalashnikovs into the air in celebration, killing four and wounding 17 others in "happy fire".

The goodwill didn't last long. Coach Jorvan Vieira was sacked after his team's poor performance at January's Gulf Cup and Iraq have already failed in their bid to qualify for next year's World Cup.

Star player: Captain Younis Mahmoud has consistently been Iraq's best player and he entered the pantheon of Iraqi greats with his goal against Saudi Arabia. His combination with Emad Mohammed should trouble defences.

Chances of an upset: This is New Zealand's most realistic chance. Iraq are a shadow of the team that won the Asian Cup and have won only four of their 20 matches since then.