Durban: Spain tipped as the favorites to win the World Cup this time, will be up against Switzerland today in the group H clash in Durban.The La Furia Roja(The Red Fury) have not lost to Switzerland in their last 15 outings, and they would be hoping to get their campaign off to a flying start.
The Reds have always under-performed in the big stage, their best finish in the World Cup being a fourth-place finish way back in 1950.
However in recent years the team has become a force to reackon with after triumphing at UEFA Euro 2008. Coming into the finals, Spain were exceptional winning all of their 10 qualifying matches.
In their final friendly match before the tournament, Spain portrayed their elegant and attacking football, beating Poland 6-0.
The talent in the squad is massive with the likes of Xavi Hernandez, Xavi Alonso, Cesc Fabregas, and youngsters like Pedro, Andres Iniesta. And the bench strength is good as well giving them lot of options.
And the good news for the Spanish side is their star striker Fernando Torres has been declared fit to play, however he might not be in the starting lineup for todays match.
On the other side Switzerland have had a dismal run during their warm up matches and will surely feeling the Spanish heat ahead of the match. And worse their skipper Alexander Frei, Switzerland's all-time record goalscorer, will be missing the match due to injury. The side will be hoping youngsters like Eren Derdiyok, Tranquillo Barnetta and goalkeeper Diego Benaglio will come out good in their opening clash against the La Furia Roja.
The Swiss players having nothing to lose taking on the European champions and the players are hoping to frustrate the Spanish attack by bringing out solid display at the back where they believe lies their strength.
The Swiss haven't conceded a goal in their last 394 minutes.
The last time two teams clashed in World Cup event, Spain won 3-0 in the year 1994.
Players to watch out for:
Spain: Fernando Torres, David Villa, Xavi, Fabregas
Switzerland: Blaise N'Kufo, Eren Derdiyok, Tranquillo Barnetta, Philippe Senderos
Oneindia News
The Reds have always under-performed in the big stage, their best finish in the World Cup being a fourth-place finish way back in 1950.
However in recent years the team has become a force to reackon with after triumphing at UEFA Euro 2008. Coming into the finals, Spain were exceptional winning all of their 10 qualifying matches.
In their final friendly match before the tournament, Spain portrayed their elegant and attacking football, beating Poland 6-0.
The talent in the squad is massive with the likes of Xavi Hernandez, Xavi Alonso, Cesc Fabregas, and youngsters like Pedro, Andres Iniesta. And the bench strength is good as well giving them lot of options.
And the good news for the Spanish side is their star striker Fernando Torres has been declared fit to play, however he might not be in the starting lineup for todays match.
On the other side Switzerland have had a dismal run during their warm up matches and will surely feeling the Spanish heat ahead of the match. And worse their skipper Alexander Frei, Switzerland's all-time record goalscorer, will be missing the match due to injury. The side will be hoping youngsters like Eren Derdiyok, Tranquillo Barnetta and goalkeeper Diego Benaglio will come out good in their opening clash against the La Furia Roja.
The Swiss players having nothing to lose taking on the European champions and the players are hoping to frustrate the Spanish attack by bringing out solid display at the back where they believe lies their strength.
The Swiss haven't conceded a goal in their last 394 minutes.
The last time two teams clashed in World Cup event, Spain won 3-0 in the year 1994.
Players to watch out for:
Spain: Fernando Torres, David Villa, Xavi, Fabregas
Switzerland: Blaise N'Kufo, Eren Derdiyok, Tranquillo Barnetta, Philippe Senderos
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