SSR Vol5 FIFA- WC-SA

…………………………….. The best technical game of the 2010 World Cup

Shockers in South Africa Spain dodged elimination against Chile

After losing its opening match to Switzerland and winning their second match over Honduras 2-0, Spain had to faced Chile in a must win situation. Chile held the Group H lead with 6 points while Spain and Switzerland were in hot pursuit with three points each. Switzerland had a winnable game against Honduras while Spain had to pull out all the stops against a well knitted Chilean team. It was the best game of the tournament from a technical stand point for me as Chile took the action to Spain with the expectation that Switzerland would have beaten Honduras to gain the six points to set up a three way tie had they lost to Spain. The two group matches were played simultaneously, with any two of the three contenders controlling their own destiny to advance into the Round of Sixteen with a win.

Leading 2-0 at the half, Spain had to hold on for dear life to gain a 2-1 victory with Chile playing with ten men. Chile still managed to advance with Spain after Honduras held Switzerland to a scoreless draw. USA team speed exposes England USA opened with a 1-1 against England in front of a lively crowd at Rustenburg Stadium. It was an up tempo game which forced England to try and hold on to its positional advantage while USA utilize its team speed to create major problems for England on its counter attacks.

SSR Magazine

USA team speed nullify England

USA goalkeeper Tim Howard came up big for his team and received Man of the Match honours for his efforts. But I thought Lampard and Gerrard in England midfield were a tad slow. This resulted in England having to restart plays to seek the space which their physical runs would have created. USA looked more dangerous in attack and besides their team speed, had the leadership of Donavan and the size and muscle of Jozy Altidore up front and Oguchi Onyewu in the defense.

SSR Magazine

ssrmagazine.com USA goalkeeper Tim Howard in action

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