FIFA World Cup 2010 Preview – Last round of Group H matches
The pre-tournament favourites were on the receiving end of the first, and probably the biggest shock of the tournament so far when they fell prey to Switzerland in their opening World Cup match. Spain had the major share of the ball possession in that match but they were hardly able to do anything productive. They kept on passing the ball among each other, displaying the world class talent they have in midfield but whenever it came to penetrating the Swiss defence line, they failed miserably. They were hit on the counter attack by the Swiss team and start of their 2010 World Cup ended in a humiliating one-nil loss.
After the horrendous result in their first match, the reigning European champions had a lot to prove and were expected to show their true title-winning credentials in the second match against Honduras. Any result apart from a win could jeopardise Spain’s quest for the world title. The Spaniards responded to this situation very well. They were not just keeping the ball among themselves but always looking to put it past the Honduras defensive line. David Villa started the match on left channel but was involved in every Spanish attacking move. He had a thunderous shot, hit the crossbar and then scored a very well worked goal, running past the three stranded defenders. Villa added another in second half and could complete a hat-trick if he had not a hit the ball wide right of the post from the penalty kick.
Spain will face Chile in their last group match on 25th June. This is almost a must win match for the Spaniards and there is a bigger prize on getting this victory. If Spain manages to beat Chile in this match, no matter with what score-line, Spain will get the top spot in the group and will avoid Brazil in the Round of 16, who are now the clear favourites to top Group G. This match against Chile will, however, by no means be a stroll in the park. Chile has won both of their matches against Switzerland and Honduras. Although the score-line in both their matches was 1-0 in favour of Chile but they only need to draw the match with Spain to get the top position in this group. This will surely need the Spanish players work even harder to break down the Chilean defence which is among the only three team in the tournament not to have conceded a goal (others being Uruguay and Netherlands).
If Spain ends up getting only a draw against Chile then their fate will depend on the match between Switzerland and Honduras. Switzerland’s win in that case will end Spain’s dream of landing their maiden World Cup title and the Swiss team will join Chile in the Round of 16. As we know, last matches of the groups are played simultaneously therefore Spain will have to do it themselves and not wait for the Switzerland- Honduras result.
Honduras, on the other hand, was just happy to be involved in this showpiece tournament. Their best probable achievement would be to qualify for the next round but in able to do that they had to perform at their very best from their first match. Their dream received a major blow in loss against Chile in the opening match when they conceded an unlucky goal and their lives were made difficult by Chile to get an equaliser.
It is not over for Honduras yet but odds are seriously against them. They will not only have to win their match against Switzerland by a handsome goal difference but also hope that Chile defeats Spain in the same manner to turn around the 4-goal deficit Honduras is presently facing against Spain. This will put all three of Honduras, Spain and Switzerland on three points and then goal difference will come into play.
The winner of this group will face the runner-up of Group G in the Round of 16, while the second-positioned team from this group will face their winner. Group G consists of Brazil, Portugal, Ivory Coast and North Korea.
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