4' CHI Carmona (YC)
19' CHI Fernandez (YC)
33' HON Palacios (YC)
34' CHI Beausejour (0-1)
The "other" game from Group H today, Chile had a firm hold the entire game. The lone goal from Beausejour was enough for Chile to seal the deal, but they probably should have won by a few.
HON Verdict: Not very convincing. I didn't expect a lot from them, as the final team from CONCA-Laugh to qualify for the world cup, though for some reason a lot of people thought they'd be moving forward. Based on today's performance, I don't think so.
CHI Verdict: A good display and a fine start for the Chileans. A strong attacking team with some questions at the back and between the stick, you'd never guess with the dismal Honduran attack. The match against Switzerland should be interesting, but I think Spain's style of play should wreak havoc with them, so anything less than a win against the Swiss may not be enough.
Man of the Match: Gary Medel (CHI)
Spain 0-1 Switzerland
30' SUI Grichting (YC)
52' SUI Fernandes (0-1)
73' SUI Ziegler (YC)
90+1' SUI Benaglio (YC)
90+4' SUI Yakin (YC)
The first real shock of the tournament, for many reasons. Spain, arguably the most prolific team held goalless, and giving up a very soft goal to the Swiss, who almost doubled their lead on another lapse in defense on a counterattack, but were beaten by the woodwork. It just seemed to be one of those days for Spain, who never seemed to find the breakthrough.
ESP Verdict: What's there to say? 337 passes completed in the first half, where the average is 317 per game for both teams combined. The Spanish played their game, dominating possession and making precise and incisive passes. However, they were kept off of the score sheet by continually screwing up in minute manners that proved to be all the difference. What should have been a comfortable victory for Spain is leaving a lot of people now doubting the World Cup favorites. Their knockout round begins now, so let's see how Spain responds.
SUI Verdict: Very, very VERY impressive showing from the Swiss, more known for draws than anything else (How Swiss. . .). They haven't conceded for over 500 minutes of World Cup football, and they showed why. A tight back four, and in-form goalkeeper, and a little bit of luck. They should beat Honduras
Man of the Match: Stephane Grichting (SUI)
South Africa 0-3 Uruguay
6' RSA Pienaar (YC)
24' URU Forlan (0-1)
43' RSA Dikgacoi (YC, Misses next match)
76' RSA Khune (RC)
80' URU Forlan (pen) (0-2)
90+4' URU A. Perreira (0-3)
A match fully dominating by Uruguay, they made the hosts look out of place, and almost eliminated them from advancing from the group stage. Diego Forlan is beginning to show his talents to the world on a global scale (though South Africa didn't resist much). Unlike the rest of the World Cup, this game actually went according to the script.
RSA Verdict: About what we expected to see from the hosts. Not much a fight against superior opposition. Sorry Bafana Bafana, it looks like you'll be going home early, especially with France next.
URU Verdict: That's what I like to see from Diego Forlan and co. Luis Suarez played solid as well, the midfield held up well, and the defense was solid at the back. The makings of a team that could make a shock run this year.
Man of the Match: Diego Forlan (URU)
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