Spain’s Route To The Final

July 11, 2010

Group Stages

Spain 0 – Switzerland 1

Just when we all thought Spain’s years of under achievement were over they shockingly began with a defeat to Switzerland thanks to a scrappy goal from Fernandez.

Not that the Spanish did not create enough chances to alter the score. Despite spoilt with attacking options Spain failed to break down their stubborn opponents.

Spain 2 – Honduras 0

Suddenly after everyone hyping them up in the build up to the competition Spain found themselves in a must win situation. Luckily for the Spanish Honduras never had the belief or ambition to take advantage of Spain’s sudden loss of form.

A comfortable win but still not looking like the side that lit up Euro 2008. Only David Villa (Scorer of both goals), out of Spain’s so called star players played to his true potential.

Spain 2 – Chile 1

Spain needed to win to guarantee progression while Chile only required a point. It did not stop the South Americans from showing the rest of the world that you can get at Spain’s defence. Chile were on top before a goal keeping mistake gifted an open goal which David Villa spectacularly took advantage of from nearly 40 yards out. That strike and a later red card knocked the stuffing out of Chile.

With 20 minutes to go and the score line at 2 – 1, knowing it was 0 – 0 between Switzerland and Honduras both sides were happy to see out the game. Chile were just delighted to have qualified, Spain crucially knew that finishing top of group H meant that they would avoid Brazil.

Last 16

Spain 1 – Portugal 0

Despite boasting Christiano Ronaldo Portugal made the mistake of being too negative as yet again another game at the 2010 World Cup failed to live up to expectations.

Spain having a natural goal scorer in the shape of David Vila (Who scored with 8 minutes remaining) proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Quarter Finals

Spain 1 – Paraguay 0

Spain took a large step in silencing the claims of them being World Cup underachievers by finally winning their first ever World Cup quarter final. Not that they didn’t make it hard work against a spirited Paraguay side. The South Americans more than held their own in the first half but when they had a second half penalty saved you sensed that they knew they had wasted their golden opportunity. Seconds later Xabi Alonso also failed from the penalty spot. However David Villa yet again proved to be the hero. Just like against Portugal Villa’s strike came in the last 10 minutes.

Worryingly for the rest, Spain had reached the Semi finals without playing well.

Semi Finals

Spain 1 – Germany 0

So Spain had not played with the attacking style that many assumed they would. Ironically Germany who many had written off due to having such a young squad were playing the most attractive football of all the 32 teams in South Africa.

The likes of Fernando Torres (yet to score in the competition) and Cesc Fabregas (struggling to get into the starting line up) were left on the bench as Barcelona’s next breakout star Pedro was chosen to partner David Villa.

Having such a large Barcelona presence in the first 11 worked to Spain’s advantage as they played just like the Catalan giants. By far this was Spain’s most impressive performance of the World Cup; out passing the German’s who struggled to get possession of the ball. Despite their dominance though Spain had to wait yet again late in the game for the break through. This time though it was not David Villa but a header from Carles Puyol.

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