FCBARCELONA.CAT

24.06.2010 19:06

Busy day at the World Cup

Roger Bogunyà

FC Barcelona have ten players in contention to play for their countries at the World Cup Finals on Friday as the last two groups are in action to finalise the second round of games.

The Blaugrana are already assured of several of their stars appearing in the next stage and that total could rise if Spain can progress with a victory over South American dark horses Chile.

Alves through

Brazil have already assured themselves of a place in the last 16, but Dani Alves and his team-mates will be keen to win what is arguably their most enticing first-round encounter against Portugal in the afternoon game in Group G.

The Ivory Coast and Touré Yaya will need Brazil to do them a favour against the Portuguese while also recording a convincing win in their match with North Korea. Portugal are in second place and lie three points above with a plus-nine goal difference.

Win required

Spain were expected to ease through Group H ahead of the World Cup Finals, but an unexpected defeat to Switzerland have left Vicente del Bosque's side needing to win their most testing encounter against Chile on Friday evening.

Barça are well represented in La Roja with Víctor Valdés, Gerard Piqué, Carles Puyol, Sergio Busquets, Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, Pedro and David Villa all vying for a place in the starting side.

Chile are currently top of the group with six points, while the Spanish and the Swiss both have three points while only one goal separates them. Honduras have yet to register a point.