After a terrible day for the Azzuri fans it is time to look ahead to group H. The 2010 world cup has been terrific for the South, Central and North American nations – Mexico, Uruguay, Paraguay, USA, (and of course Argentina and Brazil) have all not only qualified for the next stage but have done so impressively. Can Chile and Honduras continue the trend and make it a 100% record for the Latin Americans?
Chile 6, +2, 2/0
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Spain 3, +1, 2/1Switzerland 3, 0, 1/1Honduras 0 , -3, 0/3
Chile seem to be in the pole position in this group. However, if they lose to Spain and Switzerland beat Honduras then there will be a 3-way tie between Chile, Spain and Switzerland and then the goal difference and goals scored will come into the picture. Chile needs a draw to be assured of qualification and also topping the group which would help them avoid Brazil in round 2. If Chile loses to Spain (say by 1-0) and Switzerland beats Honduras, that could send the South American nation crashing out.
For Spain, things could get tricky if they do not beat Chile. There is a possibilty that they could go through even after a loss or draw with Chile. But they would not want to leave it to that. They can be assured qualification in round 2 with a win over Chile. If they beat Chile, then their goal difference would improve from +1 to +2 at least and Chile’s goal difference will go down from +2. David Villa, who could still get into trouble for raising his hands on the opposition and possibly poking him on his face, looked in sublime form against Honduras and showed eveyone why Barca paid that money to capture him.
Switzerland can assure themselves a spot in the next round if they beat Honduras by 2 or more goals. So, in a sense they still control their own destiny. Gokhan Inler, will once again be the key man for Switzerland.
Honduras can still make it to the next round if they can beat Switzerland Spain loses to Chile. It sounds unlikely but stranger things have happened in sport and indeed in football. Figureoa and Palacios will look to use their English Premier League experience in this all important clash against Switzerland.
