shefellover93

Jun 20 2010, 05:10 PM

Lee Vilenski

Jun 20 2010, 05:07 PM

England are also undefeated, NZ... Although if I'm honest, there hasn't been a single team in this years world cup that has really dominated... Could be anyone if I'm honest.

Holland, Argentina?

BBC Sport

 

Deco has been ruled out for Portugal after he twisted his hip in training.

Tiago is likely to be drafted in and coach Carlos Queiroz is also expected to pick Simao in place of Danny, who was ineffectual in the match with the Ivory Coast.

North Korea could stick with the same side that impressed in their opening game with Brazil.

There has been no official confirmation whether the players that were listed as absent from the substitute's bench in that game will be selected.

MATCH PREVIEW

For fans of a certain age, Portugal v North Korea at a World Cup brings back misty-eyed memories of the famous quarter-final at Goodison Park in 1966. The unfancied Koreans raced into a stunning 3-0 lead after just 24 minutes before a sensational four-goal burst from the great Eusebio restored order and helped Portugal win 5-3.

Portugal now need an Eusebio-style performance from Cristiano Ronaldo against the Koreans if they are to get out of group G. Although he sparkled in patches against the Ivory Coast, it is almost two years since he scored a competitive international goal and is treading a disciplinary tight rope ahead of the decisive final game with Brazil, after Fifa rejected his appeal against the yellow card he got in the opening game.

More strange goings on surround the North Koreans. After an excellent performance in defeat to Brazil, they retreated straight back into their shells and bizarrely continue to conduct work out sessions at a public gym in Pretoria. There has still not been an explanation why four of their players were listed as absent from the substitute's bench against Brazil, amid rumours that they tried to defect.

Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz has said that his team "have to put our cards on the table and attack," but as the Koreans showed against Brazil, that is no easy feat. North Korea only had 28 per cent of possession in that game yet the defensive screen they put up proved to be a source of great frustration to the Brazilians, and the Portuguese will need the cunning and guile of Ronaldo to help secure a crucial three points.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

- This is the second meeting between the sides. Their only previous encounter was at the 1966 World Cup quarter-finals with Portugal winning 5-3.

Portugal

-Portugal have conceded just two goals in their last 10 internationals and have kept a clean sheet in 78.3 % of matches they have played under Carlos Queiroz, a higher percentage than any other manager in their history.

- They are are on a run of four games without a win at the World Cup, their worst-ever drought in the competition.

- Portugal and Italy are the only two sides to have played South and North Korea at World Cups.

North Korea

- North Korea became only the third side, after Japan and Costa Rica, from outside of Europe or South America to score against Brazil at the World Cup.

- The three goals North Korea scored against Portugal in the 1966 World Cup remains the only time in which an Asian side has scored three times in a World Cup match.

- North Korea have lost five and drawn three of their last eight games.

One booking from suspension: Ronaldo (Portugal)

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Pablo Pozo (Chile)

Assistants: Patricio Basualto & Francisco Mondria (Chile)

Fourth official: Jerome Damon (South Africa)

BBC Sport

 

Switzerland will be without defender Philippe Senderos, who injured his right ankle against Spain. But striker and captain Alexander Frei and midfielder Valon Behrami, who both missed the opener with injury, should be available.

Chile striker Humberto Suazo is expected to return from a hamstring injury to lead a three-man attack. Playmaker Jorge Valdivia is thought to be fit, despite his wife telling Chilean television that he had suffered a torn muscle against Honduras.

One booking from suspension: Carmona, Fernandez (Chile); Grichting, Ziegler, Benaglio, Yakin (Switzerland).

MATCH PREVIEW

A red-hot Chile side meet a Swiss team on a roll at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Monday, knowing a victory for either side would put them on the verge of the last 16.

Both sides are still basking in the glory of historic performances in their opening Group H fixtures. Switzerland's stunning victory over pre-tournament favourites Spain was the shock of the tournament so far. Ottmar Hitzfeld's side were considered little more than cannon fodder before the game, but carried out their coach's orders to perfection and took their chance when it when it came, something Spain were unable to do.

Hitzfeld, the former Champions League winning coach of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, was quick to point out before the opening game that all the pressure was on Spain and he has employed the same tactic this week: "Switzerland are not favourites, it will be Chile," he said. "They really impressed me. Firstly in qualifying. Not many teams end up finishing above Argentina. Against Honduras, the Chileans were unbelievable and they could have won 3-0 or 4-0 instead of 1-0. They are a solid unit, with very fast players."

Chile enjoyed their own moment of history when they recorded their first World Cup victory in 48 years with that 1-0 win over Honduras in Nelspruit. Marcelo Bielsa's side impressed with an attacking display, but should have scored more and their challenge in Port Elizabeth will be to break down a tight Swiss defence and a packed midfield and avoid falling into the same trap as Spain. Chile's cause will be boosted by the likely return of leading striker Humberto Suazo, the top South American scorer in World Cup qualifying with 10 goals.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

- This will be the fourth meeting between these sides. Switzerland have won two, and Chile one. Their most recent meeting was a 2-1 victory for the Swiss in 2007.

- Their only previous World Cup encounter came in 1962 when Chile won 3-1 in Santiago.

Chile

- Marcelo Bielsa's side have won nine of their last 11 matches, including the last four.

- Chile have only once progressed beyond the World Cup group stage in six attempts outside of their own country. In 1998 they reached the last 16, when they lost 4-1 to Brazil.

- They have failed to win their last eight World Cup fixtures against European sides (five defeats and three draws).

Switzerland

- Switzerland have now kept five consecutive clean sheets at the World Cup, including four at the 2006 finals when they became the only nation ever to be knocked out of a World Cup without conceding a single goal.

- A clean sheet against Chile would set a new World Cup record. In 1990, Italy kept five consecutive clean sheets before conceding against Argentina in the semi-finals.

- The Swiss only managed 132 touches in the opposition half in their victory over Spain, fewer than any other side in the first round.

- Switzerland have never beaten a South American side at the World Cup. Four attempts have yielded just one draw (2-2 against Brazil in 1950) and three losses (3-1 to Chile in 1962, 2-0 to Argentina in 1966 and 2-0 to Colombia in 1994).

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Khalil Al Ghamdi (Saudi Arabia)

Assistants: Hassan Kamranifar (Iran), Saleh Al Marzouqi (U.A.E.)

Fourth official: Martin Vazquez (Uruguay)

BBC Sport

 

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque is considering a recall for striker Fernando Torres alongside David Villa, with defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets set to make way.

Defender Sergio Ramos should overcome a rib injury, while Andres Iniesta is doubtful following a heavy challenge that forced his substitution against Switzerland.

Honduras could again be without Inter Milan forward David Suazo, who missed their opening game with a thigh muscle injury.

One booking from suspension: Wilson Palacios (Honduras)

MATCH PREVIEW

This match coincides with the 46th anniversary of Spain's first major title, when they became European champions. World domination has so far eluded them, and the pre-tournament joint favourites are in danger of squandering their latest opportunity following their shock opening defeat by Switzerland.

Spain can still reign, but another loss could leave them heading for the plane. Spain's players believe the criticism back home - including from Euro 2008-winning coach Luis Aragones - is an over-reaction.

It is hard to disagree, given that the pitch-side presence of a TV reporter who also happens to be the girlfriend of captain Iker Casillas has been blamed in some quarters for Spain's defeat.

Honduras are not saddled with any pressure, having surpassed expectation to reach the finals for the first time in 28 years. The limitations of an injury-stricken squad were exposed by Chile last Wednesday but Honduras have history when it comes to upsetting the odds: they marked their World Cup debut in 1982 with a 1-1 draw against the heavily-fancied hosts - Spain.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

- The only previous meeting between these two nations was a group match at the 1982 World Cup. Honduras earned a 1-1 draw in what was their World Cup debut.

SPAIN

- Spain had won 45 games out of 48 prior to their opening group defeat by Switzerland.

- Their only loss in 14 matches against a north and central American nation came a year ago at the hands of the USA in Bloemfontein (W10, D3, L1).

- Midfielders Xavi and Xabi Alonso were the only two players to attempt over 100 passes in the first round of World Cup games.

HONDURAS

- Honduras are seeking their first World Cup victory. They have drawn two and lost two of their previous four group matches.

- Reinaldo Rueda's side are winless in their last six matches, failing to score in five of them (D2, L4).

- They have only ever beaten two European nations - Slovenia and Latvia - in 14 attempts (W2, D5, L7)

- Against Chile, the Hondurans managed only one touch inside the opposition penalty area.

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Yuichi Nishimura (Japan)

Assistants: Hassan Kamranifar (Iran) and Saleh A Marzouqi (UAE)

Fourth official: Martin Vazquez (Uruguay)

hugh

Jun 21 2010, 03:00 AM

Actually, if NZ and Italy both have the same result, the team to advance will be decided on a drawing of lots.

TC Admin

Jun 21 2010, 08:40 PM

Spain 2 Honduras 0. The commentator summed it up well I think - he said Spain were "lovely but not lethal". It was great to see them pass it around like that but they missed many chances. They could have won like 6-0. Torres is a bit rusty at the moment it seems...

Spain are up to second in Group H. Chile v Spain next with Switzerland surely to get 3 points against Honduras. Spain need a win!

Lee Vilenski

Jun 21 2010, 08:07 PM

I can't believe it. I saw the first half of the Portugal game only! Typical! Unbelivable score!