iSporter Praneet Mhatre analyses Spain's win over Chile in the last game of the FIFA World Cup 20101 and insists that its time for the Spanish fans stop criticising the team and it performances and to get behind the team and support it wholeheartedly, Read on...
Spain don't really have a defensive midfielder in their squad, why isn't Marcos Senna playing? What has Fernando Torres been up to? He doesn't look match fit; why was he even selected? Spain are finished now, they lost to Switzerland, they are definitely going out in the next round, don't you think? - I have heard funny things being said in the last week and a half; well, funny and pointless.
Moreover, things aren't looking any better after the Chile game, with every 'fan' and 'expert' having an opinion on what Spain did not do and should have done. I have just one thing to say at this point - At the start of the tournament, every fan does his own analysis and predictions.
Some start supporting new favourites, some stick to their traditional teams. Some curse managers for not selecting their favourites. But once the tournament begins, everyone just needs to shut up and show confidence in their team. You are not called 'supporters' for no reason folks. Your team needs you the most when the chips are down. So let's just stop indulging in pointless if's and but's and let's just keep waving our flags!
Neither Spain, nor Chile gave their supporters a lot of reasons to wave their flags last night. Chile started the better of the two teams and Mark Gonzalez squandered a golden opportunity to double his goal tally at this World Cup. But it usually takes just one goal against the run of the play to change things in Football, and that is precisely what happened in the 24th minute.
Although Torres has struggled to find his touch so far, his mere presence can open things up for his teammates. His strong charge behind a Xabi Alonso through ball prompted Chilean Goalkeeper Claudio Bravo to come out of his area. But the cleared ball fell to the man he would've least wanted to gift a goal scoring opportunity. David Villa sent a sublime curling shot into an empty net from around 35 yards out and showed what menacing form he is in.
The goal seemed to change everything and put Spain in the driver's seat. It wasn't long before their delightful ball movement resulted in Villa setting up Iniesta and the little man from Barca doubling his side's lead.
Spain's free flowing football frustrated the Chileans, who started giving away free kicks every second minute. The game saw an ugly moment in the 19th minute with Waldo Ponce purposely trying to kick at Torres's troubled right knee. A series of fouls committed by the Chileans finally got the better of Mexican referee Julian Rodriguez Santiago's patience and Estrada was sent off immediately after the Iniesta goal.
The second half started on a lucky note for Marcelo Bielsa's side. Rodrigo Millar's shot took a wicked deflection off Gerard Pique's knee and looped over a helpless Iker Casillas into the net. Being a man down severely limited Chile's attacking options. However, even the Spaniards failed to reproduce their trademark free flowing football, which made the latter half of the first period very watchable. The final ten minutes of the game were simply not worth writing about!
So the final verdict - Spain did not really justify all the pre-tournament hype. But to be really honest, which team has? Most sides, including those who scored a perfect nine in the group stages, are yet to hit top form. Spain have definitely faced their share of problems; but they are showing constant improvement.
The Spanish fans just need to come to terms with the fact that this is not going to be a fairy tale. And having the best team in the tournament (in my humble opinion!) doesn't always translate into winning trophies. There are so many factors, ranging from luck to your opponent's tactics, which affect the outcome of a game. You have made your choice now. You have chosen your team. Now just enjoy the football and keep waving your flag!
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... I really support the statement "But once the tournament begins, everyone just needs to shut up and show confidence in their team. You are not called 'supporters' for no reason folks" Nicely written report. |
a guest
said:
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... I really support the comment "But once the tournament begins, everyone just needs to shut up and show confidence in their team. You are not called 'supporters' for no reason folks." Nice one.. |
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