FIFA World Cup 2010 news – European Champions Spain beat Honduras 2-0
Finally the world cup is getting pepped up, up till now there was a feeling that the tournament was just lingering on. Apart from one or two performances by Argentina, Brazil and Germany overall the tournament has been a modest one in terms of goals.
Portugal set the tone of the day with a 7-0 drubbing off North Korea in the first match of the day. Later on, Chile went past Switzerland 1-0. At last, the European champions Spain finally showed why they are dubbed as one of the favourites to lift the trophy with a 2-0 demolition of Honduras.
Valencia’s striker David Villa was in supreme touch scoring in both halves, but he missed a great chance of scoring the 2nd hat trick of world cup. He had a golden chance on a penalty which he could not convert into a goal and later missed at least one more goal scoring chance. None the less it was a brilliant performance from the European giants, making the world stand up and take notice of what they have to offer.
Earlier, Spain suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of the un-fancied Swiss team. Various questions were raised over the lack of game plane and ineffective tactics. Spanish coach Del Bosque had openly admitted to a number of short comings in his team and promised a much better outing in the next game.
He definitely did change a lot of things in the team; it was altogether a different Spanish side everyone saw today, somewhat similar to the one that had won the Euro Cup two years ago. In the first game there was an obvious breakdown in communication between full backs and wingers, which was clearly addressed by the manager. Right from the start the ball was moved to both flanks by Spain. The element of doubt was no more evident within the team. Every player pretty much knew what he had to do, as if the team had rehearsed the script beforehand. Honduras, who in reality, were never going to be a match for Spain, were apprehensive and more prepared not to concede goals rather than going on attack. Their backline along with the midfield sat back allowing Spain to dominate the proceedings.
Villa made full use of it. In the 17th minute after receiving a pass from Gerrard Pique he decided to go all on his own, taking on the whole defence of Honduras as he cut inside the box from the left side. At first he used his nifty footwork to beat 3 defenders and continued his stupendous run to go past one more man before unleashing a shot from his right foot, to complete an astonishing solo goal. This has to be the best goal of the tournament so far.
The goal gave immense confidence to an already charged up Spanish team, and they continued to bombard the opposite goal posts. The Honduras somehow managed to hold them back, till the half time whistle blew, to 1-0.
In the 2nd half things did not change much, Spain continued from where they had left. Midfielders were very efficient with Febregas and Alonso marshalling with authority. Both kept spreading the passes down the wing, while centre strikers Torres and Villa also had plenty to feed on.
It was not after long in the 2nd half that Xavi set up Villa again just outside the box, and he took the shot trying to place the ball with the side of his foot. The ball took a deflection from a defender and went straight over the goalkeeper for Villa and Spain’s 2nd goal. With a quarter of the match to go Villa did get a chance to complete his hat trick but failed.
The match ended 2-0, and Spain who have one more game left against Chile have given themselves a great chance to make it to the last 16, all they have to do now is win the final match and they are through.
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