World Cup Preview: Spain - Switzerland

The Journey Begins

Spain’s ambition to conquer the world starts on Wednesday in Durban as they kick off their quest to become world champions for the very first time against fellow Europeans, Switzerland.

Bet: £5 £10 £20 £50 £100

Returns:

Spain £10.50

Draw £90.00

China £260.00

Bet: £5 £10 £20 £50 £100

Returns:

Spain £11.00

Draw £90.00

China £230.00

Bet: £5 £10 £20 £50 £100

Returns:

Spain £10.83

Draw £100.00

China £210.00

Bet: £5 £10 £20 £50 £100

Returns:

Spain £10.80

Draw £100.00

China £260.00

Bet: £5 £10 £20 £50 £100

Returns:

Spain £10.70

Draw £122.00

China £270.00

La Seleccion have always entered major tournaments with a lot of expectations to perform and finish well, but never has there been such hype and buzz on the country to actually win a championship. And not just any championship... but the World Cup.

Vicente del Bosque’s armada are widely regarded by pundits and fans around the globe as the hot favourites to lift the trophy in Johannesburg on July 11. However, many critics are still sceptical of Spain’s true potential due to their lack of history and pedigree at the World Cup and they believe that La Furia Roja will once again choke at key moments on the big stage, despite the plethora of talent in their squad.

But there’s an air of confidence and strong self-belief in the Spanish camp, something that was rarely prevalent in past finals. The squad as a whole have formed a tight, harmonious bond on and off the pitch while there is also an incredible amount of superstars in the first team who have the big-game experience as well as a winning mentality.

The Euro 2008 champions enter the World Cup with the best run-in possible, winning all three of their warm-up friendlies which included a 6-0 thumping of Poland in their final game which extended their winning streak to 12 matches on the bounce, just three shy of a world record that they set themselves between 2008 and 2009. 

Scrap For Second

With Spain largely expected to top the group, the fight for second place and a spot in the round of 16 will be between Switzerland and Chile, with Honduras looking to pounce on any slip-ups.

The Swiss are given a 36.5% by the Castrol Group Predictor to join the Spanish and advance past the group phase, behind Chile who are in with a 40.4% shot.

Switzerland have arguably one of the toughest opening games of any nation at the finals, but on the flip side of the coin, getting the most difficult test out of the way could serve them well as it will enable them to focus on the other two more manageable encounters.

Minimising the damage will be key for Ottmar Hitzfield’s side as goal difference could be a huge factor in determining who finishes in second.

Spain have a penchant to start off tournaments with a bang and with lots of goals before gradually taking their foot off the gas and this may turn out to be a huge disadvantage for the Swiss, as the Spaniards could potentially field a weakened team against Chile in the last group game.

The Schweizer Nati’s preparations for the World Cup finals have not been encouraging. They played just two warm-up matches and failed to win either of them, although a 1-1 draw with Italy just a week ago would be a welcome morale boost, especially after losing to Costa Rica 1-0 just four days earlier. They have now also gone five games without a win, stretching back to the World Cup qualifiers in mid-October of 2009 when they beat Luxembourg 3-0.

Spain	Switzerland
Spain 6-0 Poland	Switzerland 1-1 Italy
Spain 1-0 South Korea	Switzerland 0-1 Costa Rica
Spain 3-2 Saudi Arabia	Switzerland 1-3 Uruguay
France 0-2 Spain	Switzerland 0-1 Norway
Austria 1-5 Spain	Luxembourg 0-3 Switzerland

TEAM NEWS

Spain

Andres Iniesta has recovered from his thigh injury and resumed normal training with the squad on Monday, but coach del Bosque could still rest him for the opener as a precaution, although he strongly hinted at the weekend that the Barcelona star will start. Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas, who both suffered season-ending injuries with their respective clubs in the league campaign, are back to full fitness.

Probable Starting XI (4-1-3-2): Casillas – Sergio Ramos, Puyol, Pique, Capdevila – Busquets – Xavi, Xabi Alonso, David Silva – Torres, David Villa

Switzerland

Veteran striker Alexander Frei has been ruled out of this clash due to an ankle injury as he is still unable to run at normal pace during the team’s Sunday training session. Winger Valon Behrami meanwhile is also doubtful as he races against time to shrug off a muscle problem and his availability will only be determined on the eve of the game. 

Probable Starting XI (4-4-2): Benaglio – Lichtsteiner, Senderos, Grichting, Magnin – Behrami/Barnetta, Yakin, Inler, Gelson Fernandes – Nkufo, Derdiyok  

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Spain

With none of the high profile strikers and Golden Boot contenders yet to really shine, David Villa will have a chance to draw first blood in the race to become the 2010 World Cup top scorer. ‘El Guaje’ has been in fantastic form for Spain, scoring seven goals in his last eight appearances for his country over the past 12 months. He will enter the tournament just six goals shy of tying Raul’s all-time record of 44 goals.

Switzerland

In the absence of Alex Frei in attack, Gokhan Inler will be a key figure for the Swiss. The defensive midfielder will be handed the task of breaking up Spain’s dominance and attacking ventures from midfield, as well as instigating the counter-attacking threat and providing service for exciting youngster Eren Derdiyok.

PREDICTION

Spain rarely struggle against mid-level teams from their own continent and they should have little problems pocketing all three points to kick-off their World Cup voyage. Castrol’s Match Predictor has given Switzerland just a 13% to win, with La Roja at 67% to emerge victorious and a 20% chance of a draw.

Spain 3-0 Switzerland

Who will come out on top? Check out Castrol Football's 2010 FIFA World Cup Match Predictor.

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