Spain open their Group H campaign against Switzerland, Wednesday June 16, at Durban Stadium, in Durban. The Swiss have yet to beat Spain in 18 tries. World Cup oddsmakers at BODOG.com have Spain as -400 moneyline favorites over Switzerland (+1000) with a DRAW at (+425). Be sure to get your Spain vs Switzerland Odds 2010 FIFA World Cup Group H in now at BODOG.com
Spain will take the stage at South Africa 2010 amid high expectation. Last week's 6-0 demolition of Poland represented the perfect send-off for a mature and settled side that has been boosted by the recent return to fitness of Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas. Young Gunner Cesc Fabregas has shown impressive determination in recovering ahead of schedule. “It’s very important to win your first game, especially for the team’s confidence,” said Fabregas , who was involved in Spain’s winning starts to the last two major finals: Germany 2006 and the UEFA EURO 2008. “That said, sometimes the champions are a team which starts slowly, which is hard to understand because winning your opening game is vital for squad morale. A win boosts the mood in the camp, makes you feel more relaxed and eases the pressure. A defeat makes the going even harder, creates more stress and isn’t good for the squad.” Spain is no stranger to high level matches in some of the biggest footy tournaments in the world. They are the reigning European champions, having won the UEFA European Championship in 2008. Spain has qualified for the FIFA World Cup 12 times, and rose to the top of the FIFA World Ranking for the first time in its history, becoming the sixth nation, and the first who has never won the World Cup. Between November 2006 and June 2009, Spain went undefeated for a record tying 35 consecutive matches, record shared with Brazil, including a record 15-game winning streak.
"When you're a striker with this national team you can't just stand around, waiting for a chance to come along. You have to keep moving, help out on the flanks and keep changing positions with the other forwards, and you have to use the whole width of the pitch. I score goals because I play for the team," David Villa, Spain forward.
Switzerland’s recent form is a cause for concern after defeats by Costa Rica, Norway and Uruguay. There are doubts about their ability to match their run to the last 16 at Germany 2006. The Swiss have plenty of injury problems of their own to ponder. Alexander Frei and Valon Behrami are definitely out, forcing Coach Ottmar Hitzfeld to reshuffle his pack.
"The Spanish aren't just technical, they run a lot too. We'll need to be compact at the back, defend with nine men and hit them on the break when we can . We also need to get in among their midfielders and force some free-kicks. That's where we can be very dangerous," Ottmar Hitzfeld, Switzerland coach.
Spain vs Switzerland
When: Wednesday, June 16 – 10:00 AM ET
Line: BODOG.com
Pick: Spain -400
Point-Spreads.com Spain vs Switzerland Odds 2010 FIFA World Cup Group H
The Bottom Line: Spain has too much talent to lose. Be sure to get your Spain vs Switzerland Odds 2010 FIFA World Cup Group H in now at BODOG.com and receive a 10% deposit bonus .
