By Kenneth Tan/Red Sports
Day 5 saw the commencement of the matches in the “Group of Death” where Ivory Coast and Portugal played out a goalless stalemate while Brazil held off surprise package North Korea 2-1. Meanwhile, minnows New Zealand earned their first ever World Cup point in dramatic fashion against Slovakia.
We now move on to Day Six where the hot favourites Spain take on Switzerland in their first Group H match, while hosts South Africa face Uruguay in their second Group A match.
Can Spain’s individual brilliance bring them a classy victory? Or will a Philippe Senderos-led Swiss defence frustrate the Spaniards?
Can the Bafana Bafana produce another impressive performance again? Or will Uruguay’s fearsome strikeforce strike them down?
Our Group H pundits Ong Zhi Hao and Mohd Naufal Nur Hakim look ahead to the first clash while Group A pundit Asyraf Akbar gives you a preview of the second match.
Ong Zhi Hao of RaffIes Institution. (Photo © Les Tan/Red Sports archive)
Mohd Naufal Nur Hakim (in blue) of Meridian JC. (Photo © Chua Yueda/Red Sports archive)
Spain vs Switzerland
Zhi Hao Says: 2-0 to Spain
As compared to Switzerland, Spain have more skilful players who can make a difference in the game. They will definitely be the hot favourite to win the World Cup.
Spain have very creative midfielders in the team who can give penetrative passes which can be very effective in bringing in goals for the team. Though not a very physical side, they definitely have defenders with the height and build to shield the goal.
Switzerland, on the other hand, may not have the luxury of good quality players llike Spain but the team consists of very tall players, mostly with a height of 1.8m and above. I guess this will be their only advantage over Spain’s shorter players, with an average height of 1.7m.
If Switzerland want to win the match, they must be very physical and aggressive in the midfield so as to prevent players like Xavi, Fabregas, Iniesta from penetrating their defence.
I think Spain will win 2-0 with both goals coming from David Villa.
Player to Watch (Spain): David Villa
Player to Watch (Switzerland): Alexander Frei
Naufal Says: 3-0 to Spain
On paper, it is obvious that Spain are the better team. Ranked 2nd on the FIFA ranking list, it is no wonder that Spain are the clear favourites. Boasting names such as David Villa, Xavi Hernandes, Andres Iniesta, Carles Puyol and Iker Casillas, they have class all over the pitch.
Switzerland will go into this match as clear underdogs. Much of the team are unknown except for the likes of Philippe Senderos and their top scorer in their qualifiers, Blaise Nkufo.
Spain tend to play a passing game and will be expected to attack for the majority of the game as compared to Switzerland which will rely on their stout defense to try to contain the Spanish attack. Blessed with creative playmakers in the form of Xavi Hernandez, Spain will definitely boss the midfield. It is hard to see Switzerland posing a threat to the reigning European Champions.
Player to Watch (Spain): David Villa
Expected to play the lone striker role tonight, we can count on him to cause trouble to the Switzerland backline. He was the top scorer at Euro 2008, and he’s expected to also bag a few goals here.
Player to watch (Switzerland): Blaise Nkufo
The only source of threat from the Switzerland team. He will be in the thick of action during Switzerland’s counter attacks.
More News
David Villa buoyant ahead of opener
Andres Iniesta set to be fit
Mohd Asyraf Akbar of VJC. (Photo © Les Tan/Red Sports)
South Africa v Uruguay
Asyraf Says: 1-1 Draw
Both teams know this is a critical game as a win would put them in a very good position to advance to the round of 16, seeing how open Group A is. Both South Africa and Uruguay have shown in the first game that they possess ability to come forward and attack, and fans all around the world will hope they continue to do so.
It has been a disappointing World Cup so far with most teams looking to play a cautious defensive game instead of going out to attack.
South Africa are especially dangerous in transition, with their speedy wingers and forwards that caused Mexico so many headaches. It is their defence which is the problem; Rafael Marquez’s goal was a result of negligent defending in which three players left their men unmarked.
Uruguay’s attacking partnership of Diego Forlan and Luiz Suarez are more than capable of breaking down any defence, but could only muster a lacklustre performance against the French. Let’s hope they can put on a better performance against the South Africans tonight.
Key match-up: Diego Forlan v Itumeleng Khune
Containing Forlan, Uruguay’s biggest threat, will be a difficult task for the South African defenders, with his experience and impeccable technique. I expect him to get a few scoring opportunities tonight against custodian Itumeleng Khune, who will have to be on top form to keep a clean sheet.
More News
South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira feeling the pressure
| GROUP H | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SPAIN  | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 6 |
CHILE  | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 6 |
SWITZERLAND  | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
HONDURAS  | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 1 |
| GROUP A | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
URUGUAY  | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | +4 | 7 |
MEXICO  | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 4 |
SOUTH AFRICA  | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 4 |
FRANCE  | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 1 |
For the World Cup fixtures list with Singapore broadcast timings as well as group tables and the list of CCs with free screenings, go to: http://redsports.sg/2010-world-cup-fixtures-groups/
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