June 16th remaining 2 games preview

 VERSUS

Time: 1600h
Match: Spain v. Switzerland (Group H)

Overview: Cold weather should not prevent Spain, tournament favourites, from beating a much improved Swiss team for the 16th time. Spain has injury problems, but have been on extraordinary form before this tournament, if they can cope with the pressure of being favourites then they might just be able to navigate the difficult games that face them.

Venue: Durban, Moses Mahiba Stadium
Capacity: 70000 People

Referee: Howard Webb (England) – A highly controversial referee, having given many strange, light penalties in extra time, and many strange red cards. In fact how he has managed to rise in his career so rapidly despite so many mistakes would be a mystery, if not for the fact that he is one of the best at controlling high profile games. Webb is a referee from the English mould, and his whistling might favour the physical Swiss.

Country:England
Date of Birth: 14.07.1971
Height: 188 cm
Place of residence: LONDON
Occupation: Professional Referee
Mother tongue: English
International since: 2005
First international: Northern Ireland-Portugal (15.11.2005)
Hobbies: Family
Fondest memory: UEFA Euro Austria-Switzerland 2008 Final

Analysis: Spain’s flowing attacking football will be up against the organized mountain of meat that is the Swiss defence. The Swiss team under Ottmar Hitzfield has learned to score as well, which makes them a force not to take lightly. If the Spanish dominate, the Swiss might start bruising and kicking the Spanish, and given the Iberian’s already long injury list this game could be rough on their tournament chances.

Form: 

The Spanish have easily, convincing won their last 5 games scoring loads of goals. These games however have caused them injuries and fatigue. Furthermore many of the Spanish stars are exhausted from their tough club seasons.

Switzerland have lost 3, drew 1 and won 1 of their friendlies. Their form is very unconvincing, but thy don’t usually concede more than 1 goal a game due to an impressive defense.

Key Players: 

Diego Benaglio is a fantastic goalkeeper, having been largely responsible for Wolfsburg suprise German title last year. He is agile, good in the box, and already experienced. Soon he should be making a move to a bigger club.

David Villa, off course, is key for Spain if fit. He is expected to lead Spain to their first World Cup medal while becoming top scorer in the process. He has to be fit first, and that is uncertain.

Danger Men:

Tranquillo Barnetta, 7, is the best offensive player he Swiss have. This left winger is very dangerous, has a great cross, a challenging shot, and can cause danger for any opposition team, even Spain.

Jesus Navas, 22, has finally overcome his fear of flying and joined the Spanish team for this tournament. His form in the friendlies has been phenomenal, and he was the best Spanish player for several of the games, terrorizing the opposition on the right wing. Still, his junior status in the team means he is unlikely to start, but has a good chance of coming in off the bench.

Previous Matches:
18 matches between the two teams, Spain winning 15 and 3 resulting in draws. In the process, Spain has scored 45 goals and Switzerland 15.
Most likely scenario:
Spain beat Switzerland 3-0.
A slight surprise would be:
A 1-1 draw.
A real shocker would mean:
A Swiss win, not impossible but would take something special form he Jura team.

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 VERSUS

Time: 2030h
Match: South Africa v. Uruguay (Group A)
Overview: The Second Round kicks off with the impressive hosts, taking off an Uruguay which managed to draw against France. Anything goes, but both teams are in for a tough match. A victory here would really help second round qualification.
Venue: Tshwane/Pretoria - Loftus Versfeld Stadium


Referee: Massimo Busacca (Switzerland) – One of the best referee in the World at present, he is very complete, fair and controlling of games.

Country:Switzerland
Date of Birth: 06.02.1969
Height: 180 cm
Occupation: Proprietor
Mother tongue: Italian
Other languages: English, French, German, Spanish
International since: 1999
First international: Northern Ireland-Bulgaria (02.06.2001)
Hobbies: Skiing, holidays
Fondest memory: UEFA Cup 2000: Liverpool (ENG) v. Slovan Liberec (CZE); UEFA Champions League 2002 Final: Real Madrid (ESP) v. Bayern Leverkusen (GER) as 4th Official; FIFA World Youth Championship Netherland 2005 semi-final: Brazil v. Argentina, World Cup 2006, Euro 2008 in Switzerland

Analysis:  Uruguay fielded a defensive team against Spain but should have a more attacking lineup today, as scoring goals is key to their success. South Africa should have few changes, as they will be treating the Uruguayans equally as Mexico.
Key Players:

Aaron Mokoena captained his team fantastically in defence against Mexico, can he resist the capable Uruguayan attack as well?

Diego Forlan was the most dangerous player against France, can he start of his scoring account and qualify Uruguay for the next round in the same 90 minutes?'

Danger Men:

Siphiwe Tshabalala scored one of the best goals in the tournament in the opening game, can he get a second?

Edinson Cavani and Walter Gargano could re-enter the team after being left out against France. Both are exceptional attacking players.

Missing player:
The Uruguayans will be without Nicolas Lodeiro sent off in the opening game, and an important offensive substitute.
Previous Matches:
The Teams have played each other 2 times and Uruguay have won 1 game and 1 was a draw. Uruguay outscored South Africa 4-3 in these games.
Most likely scenario:
Uruguay win it 2-1 to break the host’s hearts.
A slight surprise would be:
Bafana-Bafana, carried by their Vuvuzela touting fans win it 2-1.
A real shocker would mean:
Either team destroys the other by more than 2 goals.