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Group H's Spain looks for another title

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, June 10 (UPI) -- Spain will try to build on its 2008 European Championship as it heads into Group H play at the World Cup in South Africa.

Spain is ranked No. 2 after spending much of the time since it won the 2008 European Champion as the world's top-ranked team. In addition to Spain, Chile, ranked 18th, No. 24 Switzerland and Honduras (38) will compete for Group H's two spots to advance to the elimination rounds. The group opens round-robin play Wednesday.

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It is one of the most balanced groups but Spain certainly leads the way.

The Spaniards were 10-0-0 in qualifying, surrendering only five goals -- three of which were in the two games after Spain's spot in South Africa had been locked up. It is as if Spain, which has never finished better than fourth place (1950) in the World Cup has something to prove.

Coach Vicente del Bosque has continued the successful team concepts used by Luis Aragones, who was the coach in 2008. The tactic relies on midfielders -- generally Xavi Hernandez -- to direct things. The results have been eye-catching. Spain has lost just once under del Bosque.

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A vital part of the defense that has been so stingy is goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

Chile will find success through its speed and a system that's been in place for many of the players since they finished third in the Under-20 World Cup three years ago. The attack has been potent with Humberto Suazo talking scoring honors with 10 goals in qualifying. But look for added firepower from Mark Gonzalez and Alexis "Wonder Boy" Sanchez.

Goals might come dearly to Switzerland, which only once, in a relatively soft qualification group, managed more than two goals. But the Swiss will seldom beat themselves. Team captain Alexander Frei, the all-time Swiss leader in goals, and Blaise N'Kufo shared the lead with five goals each in qualifying. It'll be up to them to push Switzerland to wins.

Honduras can fall into the habit of playing not to lose, pulling nearly the entire team back to defense. It's a style that makes coming from behind hard and Honduras has been known to sag noticeably after allowing goals. The Hondurans will turn to veteran Carlos Pavon, 36, on the other end. He has 57 international goals, including the one that locked up Honduras' spot in South Africa.

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Group H schedule

(All times EDT)

June 16

Honduras vs. Chile at Nelspruit, 7:30 a.m.

Spain vs. Switzerland at Durban, 10 a.m.

June 21

Chile vs. Switzerland at Port Elizabeth, 10 a.m.

Spain vs. Honduras at Johannesburg, 2:30 p.m.

June 25

Chile vs. Spain at Pretoria, 2:30 p.m.

Switzerland vs. Honduras at Bloemfontein, 2:30 p.m.

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