Spain kick-start their 2010 World Cup against fellow European outfit Switzerland. The European Champions will make their debut at the 70,000 capacity Moses Mabhida Stadium at 16:00 hours local time. Second in FIFA’s Rankings just behind Brazil, maximum points from their World Cup qualifying group, and with just one defeat in their last 48 games, Vicente Del Bosque’s side are largely regarded as one of the favourites for the trophy.

The hero from their last major international triumph at Euro 2008 will be fit for Spain’s opener. Fernando Torres, who recovered from surgery on his right meniscus in time for the finals, is the man that Premier League managers believe will win the Golden Boot at the 2010 World Cup according to a survey carried out by Barclays.

Fernando Torres’ recent goal against Poland was his 24th for his country in 73 appearances. His strike moved the forward above Alfredo di Stefano and Julio Salinas in the Spain all-time goal charts- where Torres now lies in sixth-place.

The Spain and Liverpool number ‘9’ now has Real Madrid legend Emilio Butragueño in his sights (26 goals); former Liverpool, Valencia and Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes (27 goals); and former Spain and Real Madrid captain Fernando Hierro, who is third in the table with 29 goals.

For Fernando Torres it will be his second World Cup. The striker goes into the tournament ranked 9th in the all-time appearance charts for Spain. Just above the Fuenlabrada born forward in Rafael Gordillo who was capped 75 times for country between 1978–1988.

The European Champions hold an excellent record over Switzerland, having never lost. Spain have won 15 and drawn three of the games so far- scoring 45 and conceding 15.

Spain and Switzerland have met twice at the World Cup. The first meeting was at the 1966 tournament held in England, when Spain beat the Swiss 2-1in Sheffield. The second head-to-head between the two countries took place at the 1994 World Cup. On this occasion Spain ran-out comfortable 3-0 winners.

Switzerland booked their place at the World Cup after topping their qualifying group ahead of Greece, Latvia, Israel, Luxembourg and Moldova. The Swiss side lost just the once, surprisingly at home to Luxembourg, and despite not scoring many goals, Ottmar Hitzfeld’s team only conceded eight goals in 10 matches.

South Africa 2010 will be Ottmar Hitzfeld’s first World Cup as manager after enjoying success at club level with Grasshopper Zurich, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. The German born coach, who became Switzerland boss in 2008, is only one of three managers to have won the European Cup with two different clubs.

The Swiss, who are ranked 24th place in the FIFA Rankings, are no strangers to the World Cup and at South Africa they will be making their 9th appearance. Their best finish is the quarter-final stages, a feat achieved in 1934, 1938 and in 1954.

In the other group game Honduras, who will be taking part in their first World Cup since 1982, take on Chile, who finished third in the South American qualification, at the Mbombela Stadium, kick-off at 13:30 hours.