Spain vs Switzerland David Villa says Switzerland will be tough
Perennial World Cup contender and European Champion Spain will jumpstart their campaign in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa against Switzerland.
Spain, which is considered as one of the favorites to win in this year's World Cup will try to prove that billing when they go up against the tough Swiss Squad. The two teams will be the last two squads to play their first game in the most anticipated event of the year.
Spaniard Striker David Villa said they are aware of the high expectations because of their performances in recent years and the fact that their team is composed of superstars from Real Madrid and Barcelona.
“There are high expectations because of our trajectory over the past years, people see we can play well and that’s positive. I wouldn’t say its pressure, it’s more like flattery.” David Villa said.
Defender Sergio Ramos expressed his eagerness to show what they are made of and he believes that they need to control the game early to gain their confidence and rhythm.
"After a long period in Spain and here in South Africa, we're keen to play the match and we want to show what we've been doing for a long time," Ramos said.
"It's true that the first game is important. The first game is crucial for confidence and for the mood of the players. You always need to give the utmost respect to all your opponents. It will be a very tough game and we will try to cause them problems with our attacking play," he added.
National Team Coach Vicente Del Bosque and the talented Spain Squad will have to deal with adversities in their World Cup campaign because their key players have been bothered by injuries.
Main Striker Fernando Torres will likely miss the opening game because he is still recovering from a right leg injury. Coach Del Bosque declared that he will not risk his prized starter even though he admits that they badly need his presence. Xavi Hernandez will likely be the only striker in the court in their first game.
Midfielder Andres Iniesta is also questionable for the encounter with Switzerland. The 26-year old, who's currently under contract with Barcelona, injured his thigh in the 6-0 win against Poland in a friendly game.
But Del Bosque believes that Iniesta will recover in time and will suit up against Switzerland.
"Iniesta will play and he will be in the starting line-up," said the Spain coach, who also said that Iniesta himself believes that he can play with the Team.
"The coach and I have been speaking on a daily basis on how things are going and the level of discomfort and things are getting better and better. If I feel good then why not play? I am feeling in good shape." Iniesta said.
The Swiss team led by their coach Ottmar Hitzfield will also have injury problems of their own. Team Captain Alex Frei and midfielder Valon Behrami will not suit up because of injuries.
“I have decided that Alex Frei is not yet fit to play,” said Hitzfield but denied the rumors that Frei will not be able to come back and play in the World Cup.
Frei, who holds Switzerland's record for most goals scored in international competitions at 40, was injured in the final practice before flying to South Africa.
Hitzfield also decided to let Behrami rest instead of using him in their next games against Chile and Honduras. The 25-year old midfielder sustained a strained left thigh muscle in their final warm-up game against Italy which ended up in a 1-1 draw.
Despite the setback in the opponents' squad, David Villa expects that Switzerland will give them a tough fight in their world cup opener.
“We respect to the maximum level but we know if we play at our level we’ve got chances of winning,” Villa said.
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