2 American teams came head to head in the first match of the day as Honduras took on Chile in Group H. With 7 of the Honduran players playing as part time semi-pros, they faced a tough test against an attacking Chile sided who opted to go for the unusual formation of 3-3-1-3. The game immediately began with a high tempo, and for the opening quarter of an hour, the play was fairly even with Honduras probably having better play in midfield, but Chile having the better awareness and chances at goal. However, Chile began to dominate large passages of play especially down the right as Chile's right back, Isla was able to push forward as almost another winger as there was little or no threat from Honduras.
Chile's physical, attacking style of play was a pleasure to watch, after a distinctively unimpressive start to the tournament. They played their best football down the right with Alexis Sanchez, who was magnificent, in getting in behind Honduras' defence and setting up chances. He had pace, good creative instinct and it's no wonder that the Udinese striker is being touted by Real Madrid. Definitely one to keep an eye on as the tournament progresses. Honduras were unable to provide anything to counteract Chile's stylish play and it was not long before they became undone. Sanchez was once again in the thick of it and he was able to combine well with Isla before the ball found its way over to Beausejour, whose finish actually came off a Honduran defender. Still the lead was no less than they deserved for their dominance on the field.
It was much the same in the second half, with Chile again the superior team. They were unfortunate not to add to their tally. They could have had 4 or 5 in the second half, but some great saves by Honduran keeper, Valladares as well as a bit of bad luck, saw Chile see the game off with just the one. All the play was in the Honduran half and they just could not do anything to try and grab a late equaliser, as New Zealand managed to do yesterday. It was a great start for Chile, who I heard, are hoping to reach the semis...on that performance, they have reason to be optimistic. But, it will be interesting to see if they stick to the same attacking tactics against better opposition, particularly Spain.
No comments:
Post a Comment