European champions Spain make their long-awaited bow in the 2010 World Cup on Wednesday when they face fellow European qualifiers Switzerland in Durban.
With a general feeling that this World Cup is yet to get going in terms of excitement, the beginning of the Spanish team's campaign promises on the face of it to inject a wealth of class.
Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque is likely to keep Fernando Torres in reserve, the man whose goal against Germany won Euro 2008 still not fully fit after a knee injury and he may have to wait to unleash his superb partnership with David Villa on the World Cup.
With Andes Iniesta also a possible absentee - despite claims to the contrary - Torres could yet start alongside Villa though, while the Barcelona man's absence could also pave the way for Cesc Fabregas to play from the start.
Villa, David Silva, Xavi and Xabi Alonso are also set to feature in a scrumptious Spain midfield and attack.
The Swiss, who reached the second round in Germany four years ago, are missing captain and striker Alexander Frei who suffered a knee injury in the build-up to the tournament.
Eren Derdiyok will take his place in attack but the Swiss must also do without West Ham United midfielder Valon Behrami. He misses out with a strained thigh muscle.
Wily Ottmar Hitzfeld knows enough about the game to know that this game is not his side's best chance of a win but he has the experience to also know that they have to try to do so as Chile or Honduras can steal a march on them in the other opening game in Group H.