A Chile Night For Spain in the Heat of the Maracana

Lost for words after an inexplicable 180 minutes
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

They came, they played, and they conquered. For 6 years, they were untouchable. They were European Champions, not once but twice. Back-to-back. In between those championships, they conjured up a brilliant month to be crowned World Champions.

They were Spain.
In the heat of the Maracana though, it was a Chile night for Spain. And blimey, did they feel the pain. But enough of playing with words, what on earth happened?

As with everything, there is a 'sell-by' date, similar to the bread which you buy. Whichever bakery you get it from, one fine day will arrive and the bread will be stale, fit only for the bin.

They are Spain. But changes have to be made. Their philosophy of play has earned plaudits the world over, but this night in the Maracana will have proven to them, what they lack, and what they should look to be.

That's exactly what Chile were. Confident with the ball, quick passing with the ball zipped across the park, high pressing when the need arose, a work ethic which other managers would die for, and most of all, that moment of brilliance when it was needed. These are the things one would, in days gone by, associate with Spain.

But no. Today, they were not Spain. They were a group of footballing maniacs from Chile. In next week's preview of their match against Netherlands, a more in-depth piece will be written on how the Chileans have got where they are today. For now, let's savour the moment.

Eduardo Vargas scoring against Ramos and Spain
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

In an earlier see-saw game between the Dutch and Socceroos, there was pretty much nothing separating the teams, except individual moments of brilliance.

Robben was terrific again. Van Persie was lethal, the Netherlands won. But can they go all the way? It is still quite doubtful, as to how they will perform against someone like Germany, or even Argentina, to see whether they can actually crack it against the big boys. Goodbye to Australia though, they put on a good show did the Socceroos.

A lot will depend on whether Robben can keep up his sparkling form
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

Croatia, well they just ran riot. Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic are a spectacular pairing in centre midfield, with both men lining up against each other next season in the El Clasico (Rakitic has just been signed by Barcelona).

They have what it takes to do a number on the Mexicans next time out, and do not be surprised to see them get out of this group into the next round. Time will tell.

Games tonight:- Colombia v Ivory Coast, Uruguay v England, Japan v Greece.

Apologies to those who have been following these posts daily, as I was really caught up this past week and struggled to churn out pieces, and today was a marathon. But I will certainly try to, whenever possible, to come up with something ya!

At the time this piece was written, Colombia had won their game against Ivory Coast, by two goals to one.

The Colombian 'Cha-Cha' in progress
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

And they were magnificent. Juan Fernando Quintero and James Rodriguez are like little magicians performing sleights of hand, with their feet. The ball is like that little pigeon every magician uses to deceive his flabbergasted audience.

This took place against a bewildered Ivorian team. All the African teams seem to have difficulty being creative, relying instead on wing play to get the ball into their opponent's box. Play of this sort is largely predictable, and easy to defend against.

Jose Peckerman and his team could go quite a distance though, and if they escape this group with their key players free from injury, they could easily get into the quarters, and after that its a toss of a coin. Pace is what they have in abundance, and with that, nothing is impossible.

Uruguay v England

As is the case with England, "England expects" is a term which always gets put in the same sentence with the founders of football. Though this time around, even their own fans have not held high hopes on their team progressing, even beyond the group stages.

Uruguay's dressing room before the match
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

Without that sort of expectation though, it seems that the shackles have been removed from their technically gifted lot, and they play with a whole lot more freedom. In a matchup where two of Liverpool's 'number 9's' go head-to-head, this could prove to be a mouthwatering, heart racing encounter.

Which number 9 will come out on top?
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

Both these teams are better on the front foot than when being under pressure, with weak defences. With Cavani and Suarez in town, the Uruguayans have the stardust required to play 'Catch Me If You Can' with the English, though if Hodgson provides Sterling with the license to bamboozle Uruguay's defence, along with Rooney, they might actually have a chance here.

If Ross Barkley is introduced into the fold early in the second half, it could trouble this ageing Uruguay team.

Putting my neck on the line, and going for win to England, by two goals to nil.

Uruguay 0-2 England

Japan v Greece

In a drab performance against Ivory Coast, the Japanese flattered to deceive, not providing much width or guile to get into the Ivorian defence.

Greece meanwhile, had come up against a solid Colombian wall and had no reply. In what will almost certainly prove to be a tough match for both teams, this could be another draw.

Japan 1-1 Greece.