Spain v Switzerland – Match Preview

Venue – Durban
Date – Wednesday June 16th
Kick-Off – 15:00pm

 

 

The last of the first round of group stage matches takes place in Durban on Wednesday afternoon, and pits strong pre-tournament favourites Spain against the well drilled unit of Switzerland. The two teams have met a staggering 18 times previously, with the head-to-head record pointing to an ominous afternoon for the Swiss team. Spain has won 15 of their 18 meetings and has yet to taste defeat against Switzerland. A familiar face to English Premier League fans will take charge of the game as Howard Webb orchestrates his first action.

A shocking defeat at the hands of Luxembourg in the second game of their qualifying campaign had threatened to destroy any hopes of the Swiss reaching the World Cup finals; however a turn-around in fortunes resulted in them topping a relatively weak group, with impressive wins home and away against fellow finalists Greece. Without a win in their last five games, the Swiss don’t bring a great deal of confidence to the finals, but a strong showing in their most recent friendly against Italy will lift hopes in the Swiss camp.

European Champions Spain, on the other hand have cruised into the World Cup finals, winning all ten of their qualification games and amazingly, have lost on just one occasion in the last two years, in the Confederations Cup semi-final against USA. They took full advantage of their final warm-up game for the finals, stylishly thrashing Poland 6-0, simply confirming the mammoth task ahead for the Swiss.

Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has been dealt a double blow ahead of the opening game, losing his captain, Alexander Frei and midfielder Valon Behrami to ankle and thigh injuries respectively. ‘The aim is that they come back for the second match against Chile’, Hitzfeld speaks of his hope for his key men to make a swift return to the side. Hitzfeld may decide to employ a 4-5-1 formation given Frei’s injury and the attacking threat the Spaniards will pose. Gelson Fernandes will be the likely replacement for Behrami in midfield, leaving Blaise Nkufo as the sole striker.

Spain have eased Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas back into action in the recent friendlies, however it is widely expected that Torres will only feature from the bench in their opening encounter, leaving the prolific David Villa to spearhead the attack. The Spanish squad is full of talent and has great depth in every position, enabling coach Vicente Del Bosque to tinker as he sees fit. Midfield maestro Andres Iniesta picked up a knock in the friendly win over Poland, but has returned to training and may start. In Torres’ absence upfront it is likely to be two from three for the wide attacking roles between David Silva, Pedro Rodriguez and Jesus Navas.

 

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Hitzfeld will expect the Spaniards to have more possession and create more chances, but will look to cause a shock upset, in what most assume to be a guaranteed Spain win. ‘Little Switzerland could annoy the favourites, we will give everything and try to create a surprise’, Hitzfeld’s words suggest his side have nothing to lose and will hope to stifle heavy favourites Spain. With the impetus firmly on Spain, a disciplined and organised approach from the Swiss will look to frustrate their opponents. An early concession would be suicidal and would surely only lead to a hefty beating for the Swiss. An intriguing match-up of contrasting playing styles lies ahead, with Spain hoping to begin their charge for World Cup success with relative ease.