World Cup Day Eleven

Villa misses out on hat-trick, Spain could rue lost opportunities

How many times in your career will you get a chance to hit a World Cup hat-trick. Spain eased past Honduras 2-0, but will the European champions regret not being able to capitalise on many many chances? David Villa scored a brilliant opener in the first half and a deflected second after half time. But then he missed a penalty kick and another one-on-one chance to complete his hat-trick. Spain had opportunity after opportunity, but too often tried to complicate things rather than take a quick strike on goal. They will still top the group if they beat Chile, but if they can't they may end up ruing the missed chances today. They looked impressive though.

Portugal goal-fest sets tournament alight

Portugal crushed North Korea 7-0, with goals from six different players including Ronaldo. They led buy just one goal at half-time. But a second half of utter domination and six goals set Portugal on course to progress from the group of death. They still have to play Brazil, but the glut of goals was just what they needed - as it's hard to see Ivory Coast being able to rachet up a similar scoreline against the Koreans, meaning the Portugese would progress on goal difference even if they lose to Brazil.

Chile overcome 10-man Switzerland

A harsh sending-off for Behrami after 30 minutes, left the Swiss struggling to contain a good Chile side in an entertaining game. Substitute Mark Gonzalez finally made the breakthough with 15 minutes left, as Chile went two wins for two games in the group. Derdiyok had a great chance to equalise in injury time, but shot wide.

World Cup Day Six

Swiss sink Spain in first major upset

Many people's pre-tournament favourites, but perennial underachievers, Spain were beaten 1-0 by a Swiss side, playing with an organised and dogged determination that will be familiar to Irish soccer fans. This win was very reminiscent of some of Ireland's World Cup wins. Spain, the European champions, are clearly the more talented team, with the likes of Torres, Xavi, Villa, and Alonso on board. But when Gelson Fernandes scored for the Swiss, with a scrappy goal, they stuck to their task and were rewarded with all three points. Spain still should have enough talent to get out of this group, though.

Hosts on verge of Exit

South Africa look like they won't make it past the group stages, after being demolished 3-0 by Uruguay. Diego Forlan opened the scoring with a screamer from outside the box in the first half, and then added a second from the penalty spot after goalkeeper Khune was red-carded for tripping Suarez when he seemed through on goal. Alberto Parreiro piled on the misery with a third in injury time. Some of the South African fans were streaming out of the stadium before the final whistle had even sounded. I wonder if South Africa does exit, what does it mean for atmosphere for the rest of the tournament?

Chile outclass Honduras

Honduras made history by calling being the first squad to have three brothers at a World Cup finals, but it was Chile who took all three points from the opening game in Group H. Jean Beausejour scored the game's only goal on 34 minutes. It was Chile's first win at a World Cup in 48 years. Worth celebrating.