Spain claim top spot with a win against Chile

Pretoria: Spain confirmed their place in the last 16 finishing on top of the group with a 2-1 victory over Chile in their group h clash in Pretoria.

Spain who lost their opening game to Switzerland, finished on top of the group with Chile coming out second to be the second team from the group to make it to the last 16 just edging out the Swiss team.

David Villa who was instrumental in Spain's victory in their previous match against Honduras was once again in the limelight, scoring the opening goal for his team
against Chile.

Villa chipped in his third goal of the campaign in the 24th minute after Chile goalkeeper, Claudio Bravo had raced out of his line following a run from Torres, unfortunately for him the ball landed straight to Villa who calmly found the back of the net with a well directed chip.
After thirteen minutes Iniesta who seems to be fully fit, doubled the lead for the Spanish side. Villa cut the ball to Iniesta after beating two defenders in the Chile penalty area. Iniesta hit a low shot in the left corner to make it 2-0 for Spain. Marco Rodriguez, then was harshly red-carded Estrada, for had tripped Torres which looked unintentional on replay.

Chile on that period of play looked like they were heading out of the World Cup, coming into the second half, Chile made some tactical changes and managed to score a goal in the 47th minute.
Thereafter, Esteban Paredes who had come in as substitute, got some wasted half-chances as he never managed to create problems for Cassilas. Around the hour mark, Villa for the Spanish side got few opportunities to breakthrough but his ball control let him down. Eventually, Spain started playing possession football and manage to tire the Chile side till the end of 90 minutes plus extra time hanging on with their one goal lead.

Spain will now face Portugal, while Chile will face Brazil in their next match.

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