June 21, 2010 7:30:00 PM BSTEllis Park, JohannesburgoReferee: Yuichi Nishimura (JPN)
Reeling from their first defeat in almost a year, Spain will look to make amends against footballing minnows Honduras, or suffer a humiliating early exit from the World Cup. Both teams lost their opening matches, however the manner of their defeats was completely different. Honduras were lucky to come away with just a 0-1 loss as the Chilean’s repeatedly carved open their defense whereas Spain despite plenty of possession and shots on target failed to find the back of the net. The gulf in class between these 2 sides is there for all to see but Spain can ill-afford to take their opposition lightly.
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June 16: Spain 0-1 Switzerland
June 8: Spain 6-0 Poland
June 3: Spain 1-0 South Korea
May 29: Spain 3-2 Saudi Arabia
March 3: France 0-2 SpainHonduras
June 16: Honduras 0-1 Chile
June 5: Romania 3-0 Honduras
June 2: Azerbaijan 0-0 Honduras
May 27: Belarus 2-2 Honduras
April 21: Honduras 0-1 VenezuelaSpain:
Probable line-up {4-4-2}: Casillas; Ramos, Puyol, Pique, Capdevilla, Navas, Xavi, Alonso, Iniesta, Torres, Villa
A chilling 0-1 loss to Switzerland brought Spain back down to earth and dispelled the favourites tag that seemed to be hanging from their neck like a noose. Spain created chance after chance but failed to find the back of the net as they overcommitted and were duly punished by the Swiss. Spain cannot afford to lose another match and if Xavi and Alonso cannot carve an opening for Villa or Torres to exploit then they have a ready-made replacement in Cesc Fabregas. Also, David Silva had an off game against the Swiss and could make way for Jesus Navas who is in a good run of form. Spain still control their own fate and so undoubtedly will treat this match as a final.
Honduras:
Probable line-up {4-4-2}: Valladares, Mendoza, Chavez, Figueroa, Izaguirre, Alvarez, Palacios, Guevera, Espinoza, Pavon, Nunez
Honduras have their work cut out for them against a Spanish side containing arguably some of the world’s biggest stars and looking to recover from a bruising loss. Honduras were dreadful against Chile and looked uncomfortable in possession and wasteful in front of goal. Much will depend on Wilson Palacios’ ability to shadow Xavi and shut him out of the game. On paper there is only one possible result but Honduras will be hugely encouraged by Switzerland’s win against the reigning European champions.
Prediction: At present this is a do-or-die match for both teams but the gulf in class between the sides is evident. Spain will not allow themselves to make the same mistakes they did against the Swiss. Expect them to win this match comfortably and regain some lost pride.
Predicted Scoreline: Spain 3-0 Honduras
