Spain bidding to bounce back

Spain are bidding to get their World Cup campaign back on track against Honduras today (ko 10.30pm UAE time) following their shock opening defeat to Switzerland.

Spain suffered their first-ever defeat to the Swiss in their opening Group H match of South Africa 2010 and the Euro 2008 winners can now ill afford anything less than victory over the Central American minnows.

The Swiss defeat was only Spain's second defeat in 49 matches, but with momentum the key to progressing at the World Cup, the Spanish are already on the back foot and midfielder Xabi Alonso says there is no room for error.

Spain play Honduras at Ellis Park today before facing Chile, who beat Honduras 1-0 in their opening game, in Pretoria next Friday. "We need to take it step by step. Without doubt the game against Honduras is crucial because there is no margin for error," said Alonso.

"Afterwards we will think more about Chile."

With both teams opening their World Cup accounts with defeats, Alonso says it is unlikely to be easy.

"We're expecting a difficult game. Honduras did not get a good result against Chile and therefore it's an important match," he said. The Spanish have endured a back-lash of criticism following their Swiss defeat and Alonso says the only way to make amends is to see off Honduras in style. "We know how to live with criticism," said Alonso.

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