The World Cup needs a bit of a boost, considering how things have gone so far. On Wednesday, it was the turn of Chile and Honduras to try and up the quality of the tournament that has failed to spark into life so far.
Not a game that many would have been eagerly waiting for, but the very fact that South Americans play some of the best passing football made it an enticing encounter at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.
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Chile (despite their last World Cup match win in 1962), went into the game as favourites after excelling in the qualifiers. On the other hand, Honduras had the US to thank after they scored a late goal against Costa Rica, in their final qualifier to deny them access and give Honduras a ticket to South Africa 2010.
Chile started without star striker Humberto Suazo (hamstring injury) but their incredible attack mindedness promised big things when the game got underway.
The opening minutes were dominated by Chile, who were unrelenting in bringing the men forward, with the only unpleasant thing being an early booking (5th minute) for Carmona for a late challenge on Sabillon.
Chile looked promising as they continued to build move after move patiently, in a bid to draw first blood.
Their midfield play in the first half was simply enthralling and a refreshing change to what we have been treated to over the last few games. However, their foul trouble continued with Fernandez going into the book in the 19th minute.
Chile’s sustained pressure and hard work paid off in the 34th minute, with Beausejour opening the scoring with a nice little tap in from about 10 yards.
The first half well and truly belonged to Chile, who had a well deserved 1-0 lead to show for their efforts. Honduras got plenty of opportunities to break but failed to convert.
The second half started with Chile once again showing attacking intent. Honduras were looking as dangerous though, if not more.
Chile winger Sanchez has reportedly attracted the interest of Spanish giants Real Madrid, and it wasn’t hard to see why. He was the star performer, looked sparkling going forward, turning his marker inside out time and again.
The men in Red made further inroads into the Honduras defence but failed to convert some decent chances. They clearly missed the services of a hitman and would be hoping Suazo gets fit in time for their next tie.
Chile continued to pile forward and came close to doubling the lead in the 74th minute, with Fernandez turning one in, only to have the goal disallowed due to offside.
There was no time for any late drama and 1-0 was how it ended, with Chile bagging three crucial points in Group H, through which Spain’s progress is almost a certainty.
