Read a full match preview of the World Cup 2010 Group H game between Spain and Switzerland at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban on Wednesday June 16 2010, kick-off 15.00 BST.

Group H

Spain v Switzerland
Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban
Kick-off: Wed June 16, 3pm BST
TV: BBC1 2.30pm, BBC1 HD 2.30pm

Switzerland’s slim chance of causing an upset against Spain has been further reduced following confirmation that Alex Frei is ruled out with an ankle injury.

Frei, who has scored 40 international goals in only 73 matches, has not trained since Switzerland have arrived in South Africa although Ottmar Hitzfeld has dismissed as “absurd” suggestions that his star player is out for the entire tournament.

West Ham’s Valon Behrami is also missing for Switzerland but should return against Chile. For Spain, the main doubts concern Fernando Torres and Andres Iniesta.

Touchline duel

Vicente del Bosque v Ottmar Hitzfeld: Two of the very best and most experienced manager at the entire World Cup. Both Del Bosque and Hitzfeld are among the select group of managers to have won the Champions League twice and, between them, have won 28 major trophies during their careers. For Spain, Del Bosque’s win percentage is an extraordinary 96.15 per cent.

Talking Tactics

Switzerland must find a way of depriving Spain possession and, with Alex Frei injured, are considering whether to play only one striker in order to flood the midfield. Spain’s main dilemma surrounds how they will replace Fernando Torres, with the general expectation that an extra midfielder will be selected in support of David Villa.

Key Clash

Xavi v Gokhan Inler: Xavi is arguably the key man in what have been both the finest Barcelona and Spanish team in history. He sets the rhythm for Spain and preventing him from dominating possession will be critical to Switzerland’s chances. To that end, Gokham Inler, the Udinese midfielder, will have the job of disrupting Spain’s flowing passing.

What they say

Vicente del Bosque: The good thing is that we have a very down to earth, humble group of players who are able to resist the pressure and not allow themselves to be carried away. They have to have what I call a marathon approach to motivation – consistent, unwavering

Ottmar Hitzfeld: Spain are currently the number one team in the world – a tremendous midfield, an extraordinary attack and outstanding individuals who play as a team. The expectation in Switzerland for the World Cup are very, very high.

Teams

Spain (4-1-4-1): Casillas; Ramos, Pique, Puyol, Capdevila; Alonso; Busquets, Xavi, Fabregas, Silva; Villa
Switzerland (4-4-2): Benaglio, Lichtsteiner, Senderos, Grichting, Magnin, Padalino, Inler, Huggel, Fernandes, Derdiyok, Nkufu
Referee: Howard Webb (England)

Previous meetings

Played 18: Spain 15, Draws 3, Switzerland 0

1925: (Berne, friendly): Switzerland 0 Spain 3
1927: (Santander, friendly): Spain 1 Switzerland 0
1936: (Berne, friendly): Switzerland 0 Spain 2
1941: (Valencia, friendly): Spain 3 Switzerland 2
1948: (Zurich, friendly): Switzerland 3 Spain 3
1951: (Madrid, friendly): Spain 6 Switzerland 3
1955: (Geneva, friendly): Switzerland 0 Spain 3
1957: (Madrid, WCQ): Spain 2 Switzerland 2
1957: (Lausanne, WCQ): Switzerland 1 Spain 4
1966: (Sheffield, WC): Spain 2 Switzerland 1
1969: (Valencia, friendly): Spain 1 Switzerland 0
1970: (Lausanne, friendly): Switzerland 0 Spain 1
1977: (Berne, friendly): Switzerland 1 Spain 2
1982: (Valencia, friendly): Spain 2 Switzerland 0
1984: (Geneva, friendly): Switzerland 0 Spain 4
1987: (Basel, friendly): Switzerland 1 Spain 1
1989: (Santa Cruz De Tenerife, friendly): Spain 2 Switzerland 1
1994: (Washington DC, WC): Spain 3 Switzerland 0

Fact: Switzerland have won eight games in the finals, a better return than Chile, Paraguay, Cameroon and South Korea.

Prediction: The Spaniards, the reigning European champions, are one of the favourites and should qualify with ease, beginning with a simple and overwhelming victory over the Swiss.