HONDURAS vs CHILE
Not much to say about this match except that Honduras were PITIFUL!!! In opposition, though, Chile only won 1-0 and should have won 10-0. That one goal, scored by Jean Beausejour in the 34', may come back to haunt them moving into the next round. Missed goals could mean a longer stay in SA or a quick ticket home.
Chile had 22 shots, 5 on goal. Honduras only managed 7 shots, with one on goal. I predict Honduras will be taking an early vacation.
SPAIN vs SWITZERLAND
The favorites to take the Cup were just neutralized by the neutral country. Now the Spaniards will have to climb their way out of the Group H basement with Honduras. After the Hondurans' play earlier today I can't see Spain losing to them, but they will have to play against a scrappy Chile.
The story of this match was missed opportunities. Spain made the worst choices in the first half, which is shocking considering most of them play for the two biggest teams in Spain. Combining Barca's creativity with RM's defensively-woeful side did not work against the defensively-brilliant Suisse. In the 52' Eren Derdiyok, who plays for Bundesliga's Bayer Leverkusen, made the Furia Roja pay for their lazy defenders when he received a long ball, and made his way through defenders, while being upended by last-man Iker Casillas in the box (red card anyone?). His errant shot came back and Gelson Fernandes, of Ligue 1's St. Etienne, bashed it home. Switzerland 1-0.
Vicente del Bosque was looking to bolster his side when he subbed in Liverpool's Fernando Torres. Always injured for his club side, and always fit for his international side (hmmmm) Torres brought an added spark to the attack for Spain.
Torres' former teammate at Liverpool, Xabi Alonso (now playing poorly for RM), almost made it 1-1 when he fired a rocket that smacked the crossbar.
Quite honestly, that was Spain's best chance for the match and the Suisse didn't let off. The lazy Spanish defense once again gave space to the feisty neutrals and if not for the post, Eren Derdiyok's shot would have put the score at 2-0.
Spain tried desperately to muster some chances, mainly by diving...shameful. Their 25 shots, 12 corners, and 74% possession came to....0 points and humiliation for the 2008 Euro winners.
Iker Casillas is a decent keeper, but he's not the world's best as RM tout him to be. His decisions almost led to two goals for the Suisse. His selection for Spain has largely been due to the fact that he plays for RM (the backup keepers play for Barca and Liverpool), and he has over 100 caps for Spain. A favorite of Luis Aragones, and now del Bosque, maybe it's time to give Victor Valdes (whose club side has actually WON something) a try. Pepe Reina from Liverpool is only on the team in case lightning strikes both Casillas and Valdes...or they start playing on the beach... :)
Gelson Fernandes puts the favorites at the bottom of Group H
Vicente del Bosque can't believe it
Not much for Spaniards to cheer about
Spain's only hope, Fernando Torres, was scrappy but ineffective
Yep, Gelson, you're at the top of Group H
CRISTIANO NOT HAPPY WITH "INTIMIDATING" TACKLES
'The best players must be protected and that doesn't always happen. Sometimes it is difficult for me when referees give fouls because they think I dive. The game is quick, but I don't understand decisions of the referees when they do these things.
'They should protect the more skilful players when they are getting fouled by the opposition.'
Speaking of Cristiano, it's ironic that during the biggest sports tournament in the world, of which he's touted to be one of the best, the focus for Camp Cristiano has been on bolstering his wallet. With new announcements of facebook, myspace, twitter, and youtube pages, Armani has released the new AX Emporio Armani photos of him. So after his sub-standard performance yesterday in the venue that he's supposed to be known for, in this WC he will be known for photos in his knickers. Brilliant marketing...whatever. He isn't doing anything for his footy image, with the diving, preening, and grandstanding. This WC was supposed to be his avenue for proving that he's still one of the world's best. We're waiting, Cristiano...put your kit on!
CIV "intimidating" CR...good luck!
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