Spain v Switzerland - Iker Casillas insists Spain will not overlook Switzerland
Iker Casillas(credit:
Wikipedia)
Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas insists the European champions will not be overlooking Switzerland in their World Cup opener on Wednesday (15.00 BST).
The Spaniards are joint favourites with Brazil to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy (15/4 bwin), but Casillas claims the games so far have shown that there has been significant improvement in the supposed smaller nations.
“Just look at Japan beating Cameroon, or Paraguay drawing with Italy,” the Spanish skipper said.
“Those games came down to one specific moment, so there are no small opponents. The smaller teams are growing and growing.
“We have to be ready for anything. Switzerland can be as difficult as anyone.
“We have been declared favourites and we will try to deliver our best match. Everyone likes to play against Spain, so they’ll be at their very best.”
The game is being broadcast on BBC One and streamed live on the broadcaster's official website.
But if you can't get near a television, World Cup News has you covered with the latest updates on our website and Twitter service.
Updates will commence from when the starting XIs are announced but, for now, here are the latest odds.
And don't forget StanJames' special offer which would see a losing bet refunded!
Spain v Switzerland – The Odds
Spain win - 2/7 (totesport, Boylesports, Blue Square, 888Sport, Ladbrokes, William Hill)
Switzerland win - 16/1 (Victor Chandler)
Draw - 9/2 (Bet365, SkyBet, Betfred, SportingBet, Paddy Power, bodog, Coral)
Spain v Switzerland – First Goalscorer
3/1 David Villa (Bet365, SkyBet, Blue Square, Paddy Power, StanJames, 888Sport)
15/4 Fernando Torres (Bet365)
6/1 Fernando Llorente (Betfred, StanJames, Ladbrokes), Pedro Rodriguez (SkyBet, Betfred, StanJames)
8/1 Juan Manuel Mata (extrabet)
9/1 Cesc Fabregas (SkyBet)
10/1 David Silva (Coral)
12/1 No Goalscorer (SkyBet, Blue Square, 888Sport), Andres Iniesta (SkyBet)
14/1 Xavi (Ladbrokes)
16/1 Blaise Nkufo (Betfred, Blue Square, Paddy Power, StanJames), Xabi Alonso (bet365, Blue Square, 888Sport), Alexander Frei (Paddy Power, extrabet)
25/1 Hakan Yakin (extrabet)