TEAM NEWS
Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque is considering a recall for striker Fernando Torres alongside David Villa, with defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets set to make way.
Defender Sergio Ramos should overcome a rib injury, while Andres Iniesta is doubtful following a heavy challenge that forced his substitution against Switzerland.
Honduras could again be without Inter Milan forward David Suazo, who missed their opening game with a thigh muscle injury.
One booking from suspension: Wilson Palacios (Honduras)
MATCH PREVIEW
This match coincides with the 46th anniversary of Spain's first major title, when they became European champions. World domination has so far eluded them, and the pre-tournament joint favourites are in danger of squandering their latest opportunity following their shock opening defeat by Switzerland.
Spain can still reign, but another loss could leave them heading for the plane. Spain's players believe the criticism back home - including from Euro 2008-winning coach Luis Aragones - is an over-reaction.
It is hard to disagree, given that the pitch-side presence of a TV reporter who also happens to be the girlfriend of captain Iker Casillas has been blamed in some quarters for Spain's defeat.
Honduras are not saddled with any pressure, having surpassed expectation to reach the finals for the first time in 28 years. The limitations of an injury-stricken squad were exposed by Chile last Wednesday but Honduras have history when it comes to upsetting the odds: they marked their World Cup debut in 1982 with a 1-1 draw against the heavily-fancied hosts - Spain.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
- The only previous meeting between these two nations was a group match at the 1982 World Cup. Honduras earned a 1-1 draw in what was their World Cup debut.
SPAIN
- Spain had won 45 games out of 48 prior to their opening group defeat by Switzerland.
- Their only loss in 14 matches against a north and central American nation came a year ago at the hands of the USA in Bloemfontein (W10, D3, L1).
- Midfielders Xavi and Xabi Alonso were the only two players to attempt over 100 passes in the first round of World Cup games.
HONDURAS
- Honduras are seeking their first World Cup victory. They have drawn two and lost two of their previous four group matches.
- Reinaldo Rueda's side are winless in their last six matches, failing to score in five of them (D2, L4).
- They have only ever beaten two European nations - Slovenia and Latvia - in 14 attempts (W2, D5, L7)
- Against Chile, the Hondurans managed only one touch inside the opposition penalty area.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Yuichi Nishimura (Japan)
Assistants: Hassan Kamranifar (Iran) and Saleh A Marzouqi (UAE)
Fourth official: Martin Vazquez (Uruguay)
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on the way to this game. Should be good to see Spain having to attack.
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just found seat. Ellis Park is in a dodgy neighbourhood. Our driver told up he got shot here once.
massive roar when torres got named in the starting XI. Looks like most of the locals are supporting spain.
Went shopping today to try find a honduras shirt. Couldn't find one.
massive roar when torres got named in the starting XI. Looks like most of the locals are supporting spain.
Went shopping today to try find a honduras shirt. Couldn't find one.
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spain bossing this, but torres shooting like Ferrante
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Bugger - Spain will go through with a win in their final game. I was hoping there would be some goal difference permutations instead of a simple win required.
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Anyone see Villa slap the Honduran in the penalty area in the first half?
Thought Honduras did well to only lose by two.
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Spain still not quite there - Villa should have got a hatttrick at least, Torres in shocking form, Navas can't cross to save himself. Missed Iniesta big time.
But still have it all in their hands.el grapadura2010-06-22 09:47:15
But still have it all in their hands.el grapadura2010-06-22 09:47:15
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Yeah, quite conceivable that Spain will fail to beat Chile so that a Switzerland win over Honduras would knock Spain out.
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i thought navas was poor, iniesta and cesc on the bench is a big call
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Iniesta was out due to injury. Silva should have come on for Navas, he was very poor, even though he won the penalty.
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has Del Bosque had botox or something cause when Spain scored - no emotion whatsoever! You would have thought Honduras scored.
Loving Torres' haircut too
Loving Torres' haircut too
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has Del Bosque had botox or something cause when Spain scored - no emotion whatsoever! You would have thought Honduras scored.
I know. My wife asked me if it was the Honduras bench because he looked so unhappy.
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