This Spanish side is truly exceptional blessed with world class talent across the pitch in nearly all positions. Torres, Villa, Iniesta, Xavi, Fabregas would all walk into any side in the world, Spain are blessed with a multitude of riches. A team like this comes around once in generation, Brazil in 1970 and 1982, France in 98, Argentina in 1986 and England in 66. We all know the ability that the Spanish possess and now they have achieved what other talented sides have failed to do and win a major tournament. Euro 2008 was a turning point for Spanish football and that is why they are strong favourites this summer.
Before I start getting carried away and just eulogise about Spain and ramble on about how if only England had a player who could pass like Xavi or a striker that could finish like Villa, its important that I look at the other teams in the group. Switzerland are first up for Spain tomorrow and will certainly not be an easy opponent for the European Champions. Switzerland have tournament pedigree with fourteen of their squad having twenty or more caps. Hakan Yakin and Alexander Frei have been to major tournaments and will certainly be a threat to any defence. The only was that I can see Switzerland causing an upset is if Inler and Barnetta can get in amongst the Spanish midfield and stifle their rhythm. If they can do this which is no mean feat then they could perhaps cause Spain problems. Switzerland have Ottmar Hitzfeld at the helm and they will need all of his tactical nous to pull it off.
The earlier game sees an exciting Chile side take on rank outsiders Honduras. Honduras have players which will be familiar to English fans, Palacios, Figueroa and Thomas all play for premier league clubs and Palacios in particular is an excellent player. Hopefully Honduras will be able to select David Suazo who is still technically an Inter Milan player. He has pace is strong and is an accomplished finisher, Honduras will rely on him to provide a spark that could grab them a result. Honduras scrapped into the world cup through the USA scoring a 94th minute equaliser against Costa Rica. Just being in South Africa is a great success for the country.
Chile on the other hand have higher aspirations for this tournament and could cause a few upsets. Their coach Marcelo Bielsa has crafted a side that can cause damage shown by only finishing a point behind Brazil in Qualifying. They scored an impressive 32 goals in qualification with Humberto Suazo coming out as the top scorer beating the likes of Kaka and Messi, definitely one to watch for. Whilst coming out as top scorers they also leaked the most goals and their defensive record will need to improve in South Africa if they are to make an impact. Alexis Sanchez has made it onto a lot of people's one to watch list and is certainly an emerging talent one that I am looking forward to seeing tomorrow.
This is an intriguing group, I fully expect Spain to finish top and put in some good performances along the way. I also can see Chile progressing as runners up, they have the skill and pace to frighten the Swiss defence and this will see them through. Personally I am hoping that this group will provide a much needed injection of flair to a world cup that has so far fired blanks.
Lastly a word on England. I would want to echo the words of Gavin in terms of the media's over reaction to England's performance against America. In this first round of games some of the performances have been nothing sort of turgid. Portugal Ivory Coast being a real low point where neither side showed much desire to take a risk and try to win the game. England tried to win the game having 18 shots on goal, we were a goal threat throughout. There are problems that need to be ironed for sure but this performance is the start of the tournament and not the end. There is still a long way to go.
But for tomorrow lets hope Spain and Chile provide the entertainment we have all been waiting for...
Laurie O'Brien
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