16th June, 2010
Switzerland pulled off the upset of the tournament so far by defeating European champions Spain 1-0 while host nation South Africa crashed to a disappointing 3-0 defeat at the hands of Uruguay. In the afternoon match, Chile ened their 48-year wait for a World Cup victory by defeating Honduras 1-0.
South Africa v Uruguay:
South Africa outclassed as Urugauy run riot Diego Forlan inspired Uruguay to a classy 3-0 victory over host nation South Africa to take a stranglehold on Group A. The Atletco Madrid striker blasted a long range shot past South African goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs on 24 minutes before adding a cool penalty with 10 minutes left which also saw Josephs sent off. Alvaro Pereiro headed home a late goal in injury time to give the Uruguayans even more delight as South Africa suffered a nightmare evening in Pretoria. France play Mexico on Thursday in what will be a key factor in determining the pool.
Spain v Switzerland:
Swiss stun Spain in Durban thrillerWorld Cup favourites Spain crashed to a shock 1-0 defeat to unfancied Switzerland in their opening game of the tournament on Wednesday.
A rock solid defence and a tremendous goalkeeping effort from Diego Benaglio saw the Swiss take the lead in the 51st minute through Gelson Fernandes and sustain wave after wave of pressure to hold on for the win in the Group H clash.Fernandes’ scrambled goal was exactly the type pundits said the Swiss might score against a Spanish team whose slick passing game failed to convert territory and overwhelming possessional advantage into anything concrete.
Chile v Honduras:
Chile end 48-year wait for World Cup victoryChile secured a first World Cup win in 48 years by edging Honduras 1-0 on Wednesday through a late first-half goal from striker Jean Beausejour.Persistent Chile pressure finally paid off when slick passing outside the penalty area created space for Mauricio Isla on the right flank and his low cross was turned in by Mexico-based Beausejour.
Midfielder Jorge Valdivia had the ball into the net 15 minutes from full-time, but was correctly flagged offside as the ‘killer’ second goal continued to elude Chile.The Group H success ended a 13-game winless run spanning four tournaments for the Chilean ‘Reds’ since defeating Yugoslavia on 1962 to finish third as hosts.