World Cup 2010: Group H Match Previews

By JAKE YADRICH
One Great Season

Honduras vs Chile -- 7:30 AM ET

Honduras slid into the World Cup thanks to American Jonathan Bornstein's final-day-of-qualifying goal versus Costa Rica, and Chile avoided being booted from the Cup after a domestic-league relegation lawsuit led to FIFA's involvement. So it's pretty safe to say that both teams are glad to be in South Africa, no matter how they got there.

Why Honduras will win:

Los Catrachos probably know that no one expects them to do any damage in South Africa, and in sports, a team with nothing to lose often proves to be dangerous. Uber-talented midfielder Wilson Palacios launches the Honduran attack, veteran striker Carlos Pavon doesn't age, and David Suazo has proven dangerous at all levels. If goal-scoring opportunities are available, you can bet one of these three will deliver.

Why Chile will win:

Whenever your coach is nicknamed "El Loco," you know you've got a shot, but awesome nicknames aside, Chile is a talented squad. La Roja constantly send players forward, and the combination of Humberto Suazo and Mark Gonzalez can frustrate any defense in the world. The attack-heavy mindset produced 32 goals in qualifying, so it goes without saying that they can find the back of the net.

Player to Watch:

Chile may be the favorite to come away with three points, but Honduras' Palacios may prove to be the pivotal man of the match. Tottenham Hotspur's player of the year will be asked to make great contributions on both offense and defense, and with Chile's attacking style, a Honduran counter-attack led by Palacios could lead to rare scoring opportunities. Much like the 2006 World Cup did for Cristiano Ronaldo, the 2010 World Cup may put Palacios on a lot of teams' radars.

Prediction:

Honduras will be playing in their first World Cup match since 1982, and I think that will be the highlight for Los Catrachos. Honduras' weakness lies in its back four, and Chile's talent on the attacking side should get plenty of chances. La Roja's constant pressure will keep the ball in the Honduran half limiting the chances of a counterattack, and the youth of Chile will prove too much for the older Honduran squad. Chile 2, Honduras 0

Spain vs Switzerland -- 10:00 AM ET

Switzerland exited the 2006 World Cup as the only team not to have conceded a goal, but I don't see that lasting 30 minutes in their 2010 opener. The Swiss will bring one of the youngest sideas to South Africa, but the team will be forced to grow up quickly against the Spanish squad. As far as Spain goes, they are indeed the most talented team in the field, but can they finally deliver on the biggest stage?

Why Spain will win:

Iniesta, Xavi, Xabi Alonso, and Silva ... do I really need to say more? A midfield with that much talent provides the ultimate in maintaining possession, not to mention all four have the scoring capabilities of other countries' top strikers. When you add a scoring tandem like David Villa and Fernando Torres, there are no questions as to whether Spain will score. The question becomes how often. Oh, I forgot, goalkeeper Iker Casillas is absolutely ridiculous as well.

Why the Swiss will win:

Coaching may not have the biggest influence on soccer teams, but if you're coach has taken two teams to Champions League titles, you listen. Switzerland's greatest asset may be Coach Ottmar Hitzfield. The Swiss will be organized and patient in their possession and attack, and against a dangerous Spanish side, picking the right time to advance could be the only way the Swiss pull off a victory. Alexander Frei averages more than a goal per game in 73 appearances; I think it's safe to say he has a knack for scoring.

Player to Watch:

I know it's hard to select just one player to watch considering Spain's roster, but I will be watching Torres. El Nino may be one of the best strikers in the game, but he's also coming off knee surgery in April. He made his return in a recent 6-0 whipping of Poland, but come on, it was Poland. From a defensive standpoint, keying on Torres and David Villa simultaneously must be hell, but if Torres isn't 100 percent, Switzerland's defensive strategy becomes a little easier.

Prediction:

I don't even know why you would bother reading this portion, but in case you are: Yes, I am going with Spain. Although the Spaniards are nursing some bumps and bruises, making quick work of Switzerland will allow Vicente del Bosque to remove starters and give them some extra rest. Look for Spain to come out the gates firing on all cylinders and put Switzerland away early. Spain 4 - Switzerland 0

Click here for Jake's bio and an archive of his previous stories.