FCBARCELONA.CAT

21.06.2010 11:22

Spain looking for a win without Iniesta

Spain, who take on Honduras on Monday evening in their second group game, will be weakened by the probable absence of Andres Iniesta. Meanwhile, Dani Alves and his Brazil team-mates cruised to a win over Ivory Coast on Sunday.

Spain go into their second group stage game knowing that another defeat against Honduras on Monday would see them crash out of the tournament. Logic suggests that a modest Honduras team will be no match for a Spain side that boasts some of the world’s greatest players including the backbone of Barca’s treble-wining team plus new signing David Villa.

Five Barca players likely to start

Vicente Del Bosque looks set to include Puyol and Piqué at the heart of the Spain defence with Sergio Busquets taking up a central defensive midfield role. Xavi will take on his usual playmaker responsibilities while Villa will probably move to the left of the attack in support of Liverpool star Torres in the striker’s position.

However, Andrés Iniesta looks certain to start the game on the bench as he is still not 100% match fit after the knock he picked up earlier in the tournament.

Brazil step on the gas

Meanwhile, Brazil strengthened their claim to be considered tournament favourites with a 3-1 win over Ivory Coast on Sunday evening. Sevilla’s Luis Fabiano scored a brace – one controversially seeming to hit his hand before entering the net – while Elano added a third before being replaced by super-sub Dani Alves for the final 25 minutes. Dani made a lively contribution on the right of midfield, producing two shots on target and suffering two fouls.