Toronto's World Cup Warriors: the Spaniard

The Team: Spain

World Cup History: Spain has never won the World Cup, but they have a long history of producing talented players. Reaching the semi-finals this year matches their best ever finish, which was fourth place in 1950. Spain also won the most recent European championship in 2008, which some consider an even more difficult feat than winning the World Cup.

World Cup 2010 record: Spain 0 - Switzerland 1 (June 16), Spain 2 - Honduras 0 (June 21), Spain 2 - Chile 1 (June 25), Spain 1 - Portugal 0 (June 29), Spain 1 - Paraguay 0 (July 3), Spain vs. Germany (today 2:30 pm)

The Fan: Baby Steinberg

Occupation: Designer

Favourite player: Fernando Torres

How far do you think your team will go in the tournament?: They're so close now. Germany looks good but if they can get past them Spain will definitely beat the Netherlands in the final and take the title.

What's the key to your team's success this year?: They need someone other than David Villa to score. So far he's carried the team on his back, and either Torres or Cesc Fabregas need to step up to match the attacking threat of Germany.

Where will you be watching the games?: Vivoli on College Street. It's where all the Italian, Brazilian and Spanish fans in the neighbourhood go to watch the games.

Any pre-game rituals?: A couple of glasses of sangria.

Which team is your most hated rival and why?: Argentina. I'm a Brazilian by birth and it's in my blood to dislike that team. Spain is flying the flag for Latin countries now though, it's up to them to take it!

Photo by Jonathan Loek.