The Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg turned into a sea of red to welcome Euro 2008 champions Spain, who went into battle in a bid to establish their credentials as one of the top contenders for the coveted tag of world champions. Their opponents on this night – Honduras (the central American side that limited Chile to one goal in defeat in their first game).
Spanish boss Vicente del Bosque seemed to be determined to turn the fortunes of his side that suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Switzerland in their opening fixture. The manager kept both Alonso and Busquets in the midfield, meaning no place for Fabregas. Navas replaced Silva on the right and unlike the first game, star forward Fernando Torres started in the playing XI.
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However, it was his strike partner, David Villa who was proving to be a handful for the Honduras defence. The Valencia goal scoring machine created a number of chances in the opening minutes and was all over the Honduras right-back Mendoza.However, his runs that were top drawer, finally paid dividends in the 17th minute – through a wonderful, wonderful goal. Villa beat four Honduras defenders on a run from the touchline, before he curled in a ball into the top corner – a fitting way for Spain to open their World Cup account.
Spain almost doubled their lead in the 23rd minute after continuing their dominance on the pitch. Navas whipped a beautiful cross that almost found an unmarked Xavi about five yards away from goal. It could have been 2-0 had Xavi not been probably the smallest player on the field.
The opening half ended with the score-line reading 1-0 to Spain. They were without a doubt the better side, but did look vulnerable on the break. The men in white almost snatched an opportunity to equalize in the 44th through a break, with the deadly combination of Suazo and Martinez up-front. However, the Spaniards kept their cool and went into break with a one-goal cushion.
Honduras, eager to improve their performance in the second half, surged forward in search for the equalizer. However, the push meant they left the door open for a Spanish counter attack that eventually led to Villa bagging a second to make it 2-0 in the 50th minute. Xavi ran most of the length of the pitch to create the opening Navas, who picked out Villa.
The attacking Spaniards would not settle at the two goal lead. The lively Navas continued to torment the Honduras defence and won a penalty on the 60th minute. Villa was given the opportunity to net a World Cup hat-trick… and he blew it. The shot went a few inches wide of the bottom corner, a very, very rare sight.
Arsenal star Fabregas came on to replace Xavi in the 66th minute and had almost the perfect start to his campaign. The midfielder went around the keeper with his first touch, and shot with his second, only to be denied by a sliding Honduras defender.
Del Bosque ringed in further changes, bringing on Silva for Torres in the 70th minute and Arbeloa for Ramos in the 74th.The pace considerably slowed down after the subs came on. However, Spain continued to look dangerous on the break.Mendoza would get one back at Villa in the 86th, sliding in to block his shot to deny him the hat-trick.
2-0 was how it would end and Spain could go on to rue the fact that they could not get more goals in this game. Chile are leading the group on six points, but with the Swiss to play Honduras in their final game and Spain facing Chile in theirs, it is possible that the three teams may all finish with six points – bringing goal difference into play.
