Not a phenomenal game, this should see Spain record a fairly accomplished win.
Spain are the reigning European champions. They have David Villa, Andres Iniesta, Iker Casillas, Fernando Torres and Xavi in their ranks. They are unbeaten since losing 2-0 to the USA in the Confederations Cup, nearly a whole year ago – everything is for them, which is why they are the top team in the World Cup. There are few negatives – except that they are likely to be without Iniesta for the opening game.
Switzerland have never been a major force but reminded the wider world of their talents in recent years by finishing top of their group in 2006, ahead of eventual finalists France, only to be knocked out of the competition in the strangest way, by not conceding a single goal in open play (they lost on penalties to Ukraine). They are a solid team but unspectacular, quite reliant on young defenders like Stephan Lichtsteiner and Philipe Senderos. Their goals tend to come through all-time leading goal-scorer Alex Frei (who is injured), Hakan Yakin (who is too old to be considered a starter anymore) or not at all. Blaise Nkufo looks set to step in.
It seems that Torres may not start this game, so instead look to leading frontman and new Barcelona signing Villa (38 goals in 58 appearances make the 28 year-old Spain’s second highest scorer of all time). The Barcelona centre backs, Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol, seem destined for clean sheets, too.
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