News Update: FIFA World Cup Preview: Spain (0-0-0) vs. Switzerland (0-0-0)

Durban, South Africa (Sports Network) - Spain enters the FIFA World Cup on one of the most impressive streaks ever, having won 45 of its last 48 matches with just one loss during the stretch.

Since a defeat to Sweden in Euro 2008 qualifying in October of 2006, Spain has evolved into the favorite in South Africa this summer.

Spain, which starts its World Cup against Switzerland in Group H on Wednesday, snapped a 44-year title drought in major competitions two years ago by winning the Euro title.

Spain's only other major title was Euro 1964, and a first-ever World Cup crown would extend the country's unbelievable run of form.

After winning the Euro title, Spain won its first six World Cup qualifiers and outscored its opponents 13-2 in those matches.

Spain lost its lone game during its current streak in South Africa last summer in the semifinals of the FIFA Confederations Cup, 2-0 to the United States.

Vicente del Bosque's club returned to form in the third-place match with a 3-2 win over South Africa, then wrapped up a perfect World Cup qualifying campaign with four more wins.

Although Del Bosque had some worries about the health of stars Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas before the World Cup, but both appear set to feature. Andres Iniesta could still miss the opener after picking up an injury in Spain's last warm-up match, but Del Bosque has plenty of world-class options on the bench.

Considering Spain's last warm-up was a 6-0 victory over Poland, Del Bosque and the Spaniards should be confident for their opener at Moses Mabhida Stadium in the last game of the first round of group-stage matches.

Switzerland, which was eliminated from the 2006 World Cup without allowing one goal, presents a tough challenge.

The Swiss captured Group G four years ago, finishing ahead of eventual runner- up France. Switzerland tied France 0-0 in its first game, then topped Togo and South Africa, 2-0.

In the round of 16, Switzerland shutout the Ukraine for 120 minutes - but also failed to score. Ukraine won the penalty shootout, 3-0.

With striker Alexander Frei doubtful with an ankle injury, the Swiss will play even more cautiously with a draw being coach Ottmar Hitzfeld's likely target.

Frei has scored 40 goals for the Swiss and, if he can't feature against Spain, Hitzfeld will need him to recover for the last two group matches against Chile and Honduras.

"The injury to Alex has shaken us up," Switzerland's Tranquillo Barnetta said on FIFA's website.

"It's a blow to lose one of our most important players to injury just before the start of the tournament," Hitzfeld told FIFA's website. "Obviously, I have to think about his prospects and about the alternatives."

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[1888UPTHECELTS]

@athlete360 u dumb ass its SPAIN there way better than the swiss. There strategy was excellent and they won the match. U probably jumped on the band wagen and started likin spain after they won....

[SorBill07]

SPAIN ARNELAS WILL BE CUFFED FOR USING MY NAME ON STAGE.....I AM THE REAL SORAYA JEWISH BILLINGE FROM THE MIDDLE EAST BACKGROUND.

ARNELAS HAS TO BE CUFFED........IF SHE IS NOT I WILL PAY TO HAVE HER KILLED IN A FLIGHT...

[joaquination14]

thumbs up for the hot chikks XD

[elemental12345678900]

I`d stick it in her...

[Paumonsu]

@tatertots00 Oh, we actually did sucker

[supermorshu]

thumbs up if Spain is in a depression

[SoccerFootage]

@tatertots00 Hey wat happend?

[ibigfydude]

TITS OR GTFO!

[tatertots00]

@Athlete360 lol when Spain wins a world cup then you can talk about Germany and Brazil

[Athlete360]

Swiss sucked lol they never even made a proper pass just once. All they did was play 90 minutes of 10 men defence. And sit back and kick ball out thats not fukin soccer. This is bullshit world cup so boring defending whole game wtf? and getting is stupid lucky goal. idk why swiss people should get so excited. it was stupid.