World Cup hosts South Africa will be looking to score their maiden victory in the quadrennial competition over Uruguay in their second group stage match on Wednesday. European champions Spain, who are regarded as favorites to win the title for their star-studded squad, will kick off their campaign with a relatively easy match against Switzerland. Underdog Honduras will face Chile in another game that is expected to be average in terms of excitement. South Africa V Uruguay Head to head: South Africa win (0) goals (3) Uruguay win (1) goals (4) Draw (1) Team news: South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira is likely to play Tsepo Masilela as a left back after Lucas Thwala's unconvincing first-half performance against Mexico in the World Cup curtain-raiser. Uruguay's Nicolas Lodeiro is missing the game through suspension after coming on as a substitute against France only to be dismissed for two bookable offences. What they said: "We have to change our approach. Three draws are no good. So that means taking risks and I am prepared to that against Uruguay," Parreira said. "South Africa have players who are really fast. It will be tough. It should also be a good occasion," stated Uruguay boss Oscar Tabarez. "I don't think the vuvuzelas are a nuisance, they create a nice atmosphere. Too much is being said of the vuvuzelas." Player to watch: South Africa: Attacking midfielder Steven Pienaar is one of the most important players in the Bafana Bafana's squad. Uruguay: Striker Diego Forlan is going to be the home side's biggest worries in Wednesday's game. Spain V Switzerland Head to head: Spain win (15) goals (45) Switzerland win (0) goals (15) Draw (3) Team news: Switzerland's Alex Frei has been ruled out of the game with an ankle injury while Spain duo Fernando Torres and Andres Iniesta are doubtful.
Valon Behrami is also missing for Switzerland but the West Ham man should be fit to play against Chile. What they said: "We want to build on the success of winning the European Championship and go all the way in the World Cup, to show we are the best team around," Spain star David Villa said. "Spain are currently the number one team in the world – a tremendous midfield, an extraordinary attack and outstanding individuals who play as a team," said Switzerland's Ottmar Hitzfeld. "The expectation in Switzerland for the World Cup are very, very high." Player to watch: Spain: Spain's squad is crammed with high-profile figure but Barcelona's Xavi is arguable the most influential with his precise silky passes. Switzerland: The European lowly side expect a lot from Bayer Leverkusen winger Tranquillo Barnetta in the competition. Honduras V Chile Head to head: Honduras win (2) goals (10) Chile win (3) goals (11) Draw (0) Team news: Chile striker Humberto Suazo might take no part in the match due to a muscle strain. David Suazo is also a major doubt for Honduras as he sustained an injury in a warm-up game against Romania. Honduras' Julio Cesar de Leon has been ruled out of the World Cup with a muscle problem. What they said: "Chile are a tough team to play, they don't give you any space and work the ball very well in midfield. They're the type of side that need everybody on their game to really click," Honduras midfielder Hendry Thomas said. "So, when we have the ball we need to keep hold of it, and win it back quickly to be able to cause them problems." "Why shouldn't we aim to reach the last four?" Claudio Bravo, Chile captain and goalie, stated. "Our team's capable of getting great results, but we're also aware that we mustn't get carried away. For the moment, our most important game is the one against Honduras." Player to watch: Honduras: Central midfielder Wilson Palacios is indispensable for his team, although he's not much of a scorer. Chile: Alexis Sanchez, nicknamed El Nino Maravilla, is tipped to raise some eyebrows during the World Cup.
