Chile stands in the way of Spain
Source: Agencies |
June 25, 2010, Friday
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CHILE stands in the way of Spain's lofty World Cup hopes, as the European champion goes into its final Group H match today needing victory to secure its spot in the knockout phase.
With both Switzerland and Honduras still in the mix for one of the last two places in the last 16, Spain know it's time to live up to pre-tournament expectations or potentially go home early.
"For us it's clear what we have to do - we have to beat Chile," said midfielder Andres Iniesta, who is available for the final group match after overcoming a right leg injury. "We've got a clear idea about what we need to do and we're confident of reaching the next round. Nothing else is important."
Whether it's the World Cup favorite tag slapped on it, overconfidence, fatigue after long club seasons or tactical changes, Spain hasn't quite been able to emulate the attractive play that led it to its European triumph two years ago.
Despite dominating opponents, it has only found the back of twice through David Villa in a 2-0 win over Honduras. Switzerland stifled it in a 1-0 win that led to questions over coach Vicente del Bosque's tinkering with the team as he prefers defensive midfielders Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso over the likes of attacking players Cesc Fabregas and David Silva.
"The idea is to play our own (strengths), take the initiative and take control of the game but we don't know if they will let us," Del Bosque said. "They can play different ways, they have good players and style of play. They're ready."
Chile needs only a draw at Pretoria's Loftus Versfeld Stadium to win the group as its six points leads the three Spain and Switzerland each have. Honduras has zero.
The winner of the group, which could come down to goal difference if there is a three-way tie on points, is also likely to avoid a matchup with Group G leader Brazil.
"First and foremost, we will, as we do in all matches, stand our ground," Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa said after the 1-0 win over the Swiss. "On Friday, we will try to again show our talents. That's the best way to try to be better than our opponents."
Bielsa's love of attacking football should provide an exciting finale to the group stage and be nothing like the two teams' previous clash in 2008 - a 3-0 win for Spain. Chile has never beaten Spain in the teams' past seven matches, suffering defeats in six.
"It's going to be a totally different game, they are going to come out attacking and we're going to apply our own way of playing," Chile winger Mark Gonzalez said. "All of our attention is on reaching the next round and finishing first (in the group)."
Spain will have David Villa in attack after avoiding a FIFA ban for slapping an opponent, while Fernando Torres should also start despite missing three scoring chances against Honduras.
"You've got to believe that he will find his accuracy," Del Bosque said of the Liverpool striker, who looked rusty after starting for the first time since knee surgery.
While Spain frets over which super star will become a super sub, Bielsa is without midfielders Carlos Carmona and Matias Fernandez to suspension. Jorge Valdivia will likely fill in for Fernandes, while striker Humberto Suazo is also available.
With both Switzerland and Honduras still in the mix for one of the last two places in the last 16, Spain know it's time to live up to pre-tournament expectations or potentially go home early.
"For us it's clear what we have to do - we have to beat Chile," said midfielder Andres Iniesta, who is available for the final group match after overcoming a right leg injury. "We've got a clear idea about what we need to do and we're confident of reaching the next round. Nothing else is important."
Whether it's the World Cup favorite tag slapped on it, overconfidence, fatigue after long club seasons or tactical changes, Spain hasn't quite been able to emulate the attractive play that led it to its European triumph two years ago.
Despite dominating opponents, it has only found the back of twice through David Villa in a 2-0 win over Honduras. Switzerland stifled it in a 1-0 win that led to questions over coach Vicente del Bosque's tinkering with the team as he prefers defensive midfielders Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso over the likes of attacking players Cesc Fabregas and David Silva.
"The idea is to play our own (strengths), take the initiative and take control of the game but we don't know if they will let us," Del Bosque said. "They can play different ways, they have good players and style of play. They're ready."
Chile needs only a draw at Pretoria's Loftus Versfeld Stadium to win the group as its six points leads the three Spain and Switzerland each have. Honduras has zero.
The winner of the group, which could come down to goal difference if there is a three-way tie on points, is also likely to avoid a matchup with Group G leader Brazil.
"First and foremost, we will, as we do in all matches, stand our ground," Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa said after the 1-0 win over the Swiss. "On Friday, we will try to again show our talents. That's the best way to try to be better than our opponents."
Bielsa's love of attacking football should provide an exciting finale to the group stage and be nothing like the two teams' previous clash in 2008 - a 3-0 win for Spain. Chile has never beaten Spain in the teams' past seven matches, suffering defeats in six.
"It's going to be a totally different game, they are going to come out attacking and we're going to apply our own way of playing," Chile winger Mark Gonzalez said. "All of our attention is on reaching the next round and finishing first (in the group)."
Spain will have David Villa in attack after avoiding a FIFA ban for slapping an opponent, while Fernando Torres should also start despite missing three scoring chances against Honduras.
"You've got to believe that he will find his accuracy," Del Bosque said of the Liverpool striker, who looked rusty after starting for the first time since knee surgery.
While Spain frets over which super star will become a super sub, Bielsa is without midfielders Carlos Carmona and Matias Fernandez to suspension. Jorge Valdivia will likely fill in for Fernandes, while striker Humberto Suazo is also available.
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