Switzerland will face European champions Spain in their first match of the 2010 football World Cup without captain Alexander Frei or winger Valon Behrami.
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Both players will miss Wednesday’s group match in Durban, South Africa, because they have failed to recover in time from injuries, according to Switzerland’s coach Ottmar Hitzfeld on Monday.
Frei, who plays for FC Basel, sprained his ankle a week ago, and Behrami, from English club West Ham, has been struggling with a thigh muscle injury.
“It’s better to rest them so they can play against Chile,” Hitzfeld said.
Switzerland’s three group opponents are Spain, Chile (June 21) and Honduras (June 25). They need to come first or second in their group to advance to the next round.
Spain are massive favourites to beat Switzerland on Wednesday. Bookmakers are offering 11-1 for the Swiss to upset the tournament favourites.
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Swiss to face Spain first at 2010 Fifa World Cup
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