Last night, the 2010 FIFA World Cup saw what has been the upset of the tournament so far, as the world champion favourites Spain were defeated in their opening match by Switzerland – reinforcing the beauty of the world cup in that anything can happen!
While proving themselves as the side many know Spain are – skilful, quick and dominating, all it took was one chance for the Swiss to open the whole tournament up.
However kicking off the action last night, Honduras and Chile took to the Mbombela Stadium for their opening fixture, and to start off the point scoring in Group H.
Chile went into the game as favourites, and came away with a single goal win – which is certainly convincing in an opening fixture at the world cup, although it could have been more.
It was goalless between the two until the 34th minute when Jean Beausejour bundled home a deserved albeit lucky lead – which ultimately led to the South Americans celebrating their first win at a world cup for 48 years.
The winners could easily have added more to their goal tally, and with other fixtures going against the stats in the group, may regret not having nabbed their chances at the time.
Honduras suffered some key losses before the match, with the vital David Suazo not able to overcome a muscle strain to play any part in the loss.
The other game in Group H followed, and with Spain taking to the Durban Stadium facing Switzerland, it was all about how many the Spaniards could put away.
But the Swiss had other ideas, as they managed to maintain a clean sheet – after not having let any goals into their net at the 2006 World Cup.
The Spanish dominated play from the start, with Switzerland quite happy to sit back and chase the ball, but Spain did not look like a side who are about to become World Champions – perhaps the opening game nerves got the best of them – and could not execute in front of the goal.
While proving themselves as the side many know Spain are – skilful, quick and dominating, all it took was one chance for the Swiss to open the whole tournament up.
Spanish keeper Iker Casillas came off the line attempting to prevent an attack by Eren Derdeyok and could not hold on to the ball, which fumbled forward and found the feet of Man of the Match Gelson Fernandes who put it away neatly.
It was a huge win for the Swiss side who went into the fixture outsiders at $12, and sees them at the top of Group H level in points and on goal difference to Chile, while Spain are at the bottom of the group – a sight most people did not expect to see.
Rounding off last night’s action, South Africa and Uruguay took to the Loftus Versfeld Stadium to begin the second round of matches.
With many looking for a South Africa win, as they showed such vitality against the Mexicans, and with fans turning out with such passion and pride, it was not to be as the Uruguayans became a far more attacking team than in their opening draw over France – proving their devastating versatility.
It was a convincing 3-0 win for the South Americans, with Diego Forlan netting a screamer in the 24th minute, setting himself up as one of the players to fear in this year’s World Cup.
The Atletico Madrid striker kept his cool ten minutes from time, when he stepped up to the penalty spot and doubled the lead, while Alvaro Pereira was determined to get his name on the score sheet, powering away a header five minutes into extra time.
It was a devastating loss for Bafana Bafana, who see their hopes of making the final 16 fall further out of reach, as they now have to face France in their final group fixture.
If yesterday’s results have proved anything, it is that it only takes one missed kick, a single wrong move or a fantastic individual performance to create an upset in this tournament, so if you want to place a bet, head to SportsBet for the best world cup betting markets around!
