Spain had to win to go through, after they only managed to get three points against Honduras. Chile had six and Switzerland three, and they also beat Spain in the opening game of the last group. Considered to have the best midfield at this World Cup competition, and probably the best midfield in the world, Spain proved again they deserve to go through and beat the South Americans in the last game.
Spain only scored four times this tournament, and missed a penalty too, upfront conceding two, one from Switzerland and one from Chile. Qualifying from the first place, Spain will meet in-form Portugal in the next round, while Chile will meet Brazil. Spain and Portugal will fight for the quarter finals place, because none can be considered favourite, but Brazil may have the upper hand above Chile. Spain and Portugal will be a clash between midfielders, the team which will control it will probably win the game too. Spain comes with Iniesta, Xavi, Xabi Alonso and Fabregas, while Portugal will bring in Cristiano Ronaldo, Tiago and Meireles.
This group was interesting from the first game, between bookies expected Spain to win the group easier. Switzerland’s team worked like the well-known Swiss watches and beat Spain 1-0, following a goal by Fernandes, currently playing for Saint-Etienne in France. Honduras was an outsider from the first moment, buy they managed to get the same number of points France did in its group, and more than Cameroon, who finished with none. Honduras was very important in this group actually, stopping Switzerland in the group stage after a goalless draw between the two, also assuring Chile will go into the next round.
The top scorer of the group is David Villa, with three goals, and he will definitely be sad because of the penalty missed against Honduras, when he put the ball wide of the goal. Spain holds another record, not just in the group, but in the competition too, assuring they are the only team without any yellow card shown. As we said before, Spain will meet Portugal next round, while Chile will have an interesting game against Dunga’s Brazil.
