World Cup Digest: Day 6
Credit:
Day 6 was thoroughly entertaining as it gave us a look at the four remaining sides yet to play as the much fancied Chile’s win over Honduras was far more impressive than the 1-0 scoreline alludes. World Cup favourites Spain astonishingly went down 1-0 to the Swiss, and South Africa were convincingly defeated by an impressive 3-0 scoreline from Uruguay.
Honduras 0 Chile 1
Chile came into this tournament as a decent outside bet to do well following a fine qualifying campaign that saw them push Brazil at the top of South American qualifying.
Jean Beausejour bundled in the fortunate winner for the Chileans. However further chances from Alexis Sanchez, Matias Fernandez and an astonishing save from Waldo Ponce’s four yard header, which Noel Valladares palmed away from the Honduran goal, really should have improved their scoreline as they dominated the game and attacked from start to finish.
Germany have been lauded for their opening game and, minus the scoreline, Chile were equally impressive. Honduras will struggle with Spain’s pace and Switzerland’s defence later you must feel.
Switzerland 1 Spain 0
The result of the tournament so far saw Spain lose out to a Switzerland side which was forced to watch on as the Spaniards relentlessly passed the ball around the Swiss half for most of the ninety minutes.
Spain should have had a few by half time but never seemed to be wiling to shoot, almost worried that should they miss they would lose the much craved possession they adore so.
However early in the second half a long ball was flicked on to Eren Derdiyok. The Swiss striker managed to bundle it past Iker Casillas and the falling Gerard Pique to leave Gelson Fernandes in on an open goal. Sergio Ramos wasn’t bothered defending, leaving the flailing Pique and desperate Casillas with no chance as Fernandes reacted quick and finished well.
The goal was a shock as Spain had been so impressive, patient and pretty much excellent on the ball up until that point. Vincente del Bosque’s side almost equalised through Xabi Alonso as he charged onto a ball at the edge of the area. However the former Liverpool player smashed his shot against the bar.
Spain continued to play in the Swiss half although almost conceded a second when Derdiyok cut inside Pique and Carles Puyol before rolling the ball past Casillas, but the ball bounced back off the post.
South Africa 0 Uruguay 3
Diego Forlan pooped on the host’s party on Wednesday night as his brace helped Uruguay to a 3-0 victory and edged his side closer to the second round.
Forlan’s first was a fine goal from thirty yards, a reward for Uruguay’s strong performance as they quashed any South African threat while attacking regularly themselves. It was a rare, successful, long shot so far in South Africa as it took a deflection but still carried enough pace to dip in under the bar and leave the host’s fans stunned.
His second was tough for the African fans to take as goal-keeper Itumeleng Khune was given a red card for fouling Luis Suarez inside the box. Forlan took the penalty and scored, before starting the move which ended the tie when he found Suarez late on with a fine pass. The Ajax striker crossed for Alvaro Pereira who just about got the third.
Honduras 0 Chile 1
Chile came into this tournament as a decent outside bet to do well following a fine qualifying campaign that saw them push Brazil at the top of South American qualifying.
Jean Beausejour bundled in the fortunate winner for the Chileans. However further chances from Alexis Sanchez, Matias Fernandez and an astonishing save from Waldo Ponce’s four yard header, which Noel Valladares palmed away from the Honduran goal, really should have improved their scoreline as they dominated the game and attacked from start to finish.
Germany have been lauded for their opening game and, minus the scoreline, Chile were equally impressive. Honduras will struggle with Spain’s pace and Switzerland’s defence later you must feel.
Switzerland 1 Spain 0
The result of the tournament so far saw Spain lose out to a Switzerland side which was forced to watch on as the Spaniards relentlessly passed the ball around the Swiss half for most of the ninety minutes.
Spain should have had a few by half time but never seemed to be wiling to shoot, almost worried that should they miss they would lose the much craved possession they adore so.
However early in the second half a long ball was flicked on to Eren Derdiyok. The Swiss striker managed to bundle it past Iker Casillas and the falling Gerard Pique to leave Gelson Fernandes in on an open goal. Sergio Ramos wasn’t bothered defending, leaving the flailing Pique and desperate Casillas with no chance as Fernandes reacted quick and finished well.
The goal was a shock as Spain had been so impressive, patient and pretty much excellent on the ball up until that point. Vincente del Bosque’s side almost equalised through Xabi Alonso as he charged onto a ball at the edge of the area. However the former Liverpool player smashed his shot against the bar.
Spain continued to play in the Swiss half although almost conceded a second when Derdiyok cut inside Pique and Carles Puyol before rolling the ball past Casillas, but the ball bounced back off the post.
South Africa 0 Uruguay 3
Diego Forlan pooped on the host’s party on Wednesday night as his brace helped Uruguay to a 3-0 victory and edged his side closer to the second round.
Forlan’s first was a fine goal from thirty yards, a reward for Uruguay’s strong performance as they quashed any South African threat while attacking regularly themselves. It was a rare, successful, long shot so far in South Africa as it took a deflection but still carried enough pace to dip in under the bar and leave the host’s fans stunned.
His second was tough for the African fans to take as goal-keeper Itumeleng Khune was given a red card for fouling Luis Suarez inside the box. Forlan took the penalty and scored, before starting the move which ended the tie when he found Suarez late on with a fine pass. The Ajax striker crossed for Alvaro Pereira who just about got the third.
About Gordon Hunt
Gordon Hunt is one of extratime's Dublin based reporters. Having worked with the site since it's inception, Gordon's name is carved into the foundations of extratime's tower block. View Full Profile