Spain finished top of their qualifying group with a 2-1 win over ten-man Chile. Goals from Villa and Iniesta either side of half-time were enough to see the European Champions leap-frog the South Americans at the top of the group. Fernando Torres started the match, playing an important part in Spain’s opener, and also in seeing Chile reduced to ten-men after Estrada picked up his second booking for a foul on the striker. The striker went onto play for 55 minutes before the manager changed the team’s formation to defend their lead. - Group H Table -

With Chile playing as the home side, Spain wore their blue and white strip, as opposed to their traditional red. Torres spearheaded his country's attack with Iniesta and Villa playing either side of the forward.

The first chance of the game fell to Spain as a floated free-kick from Xavi was headed over by Fernando Torres at full-stretch. The Red number ‘9’ was again the dangerman moments later as the last defender back for Chile nicked the ball away from the on-rushing striker.

Spain took the lead just past the mid-way point of the first-half. A long ball over the top from Xabi Alonso was intended for Fernando Torres, and although Bravo cleared the original danger, the ball fell to Villa who curled the ball into the empty net from 40 yards out.

The goal settled the early nerves as the European Champions started to control possession. Chile however defended well allowing Spain very little goalscoring opportunities.

Beausejour came close to equalising for Chile after being sent clear out on the left. The attacker shot left-footed, but his effort flew just wide after deflecting off Pique.

At the other end Torres went down in the box on 35 minutes, and although the reply showed that his marker had clashed into him, nothing was given.

Andres Iniesta doubled Spain’s lead two minutes later with a perfectly placed shot into the far corner after a clever cut-back from David Villa.

In an incident off the ball during the move that led to Spain’s goal, Fernando Torres was brought down by Marco Estrada. The defender received his marching orders after the referee showed Estrada a second yellow card.

Chile were lucky not to be reduced nine men on the stroke of half-time as Waldo Ponce, already on a booking, was not shown a second yellow card for a late tackle on Xabi Alonso.

The teams went in at the break with Spain qualified as group winners and Chile currently in second-place courtesy of the scoreless draw between Switzerland and Honduras.

The South Americans pulled goal back straight after the restart. Millar’s shot from the edge of the box took a deflection off Pique before nestling in the back of the net.

On 55 minutes Vicente Del Bosque brought on a midfielder for a striker as Fabregas replaced Fernando Torres. Spain reverted to a 4-5-1 formation as they looked to defend their lead.

Iniesta and Villa both had shots as the pace of the game started to let-off. News of Switzerland still drawing 0-0 in the other group game meant that both Spain and Chile were through to the next round.

The final twenty minutes were controlled by a Spain side content to marshall their lead. The victory assured the Red Fury of first-place in Group H, and a last sixteen clash against Portugal for a place in the quarter-finals.


- Match Stats: Chile 1-2 Spain

Chile: Bravo, Isla, Medel, Ponce, Vidal, Gonzalez (Paredes, 46), Estrada, Jara, Valdivia (Millar, 46), Beausejour, Sanchez (Orellana, 65)

Booked: Medel, Isla

Sent-off: Estrada

Goals: Millar 47

cSpain: Casillas, Ramos, Pique, Puyol, Capdevila, Alonso (Martinez, 74), Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, Torres (Fabregas, 55), Villa

Goals: Villa 24, Iniesta 37


Main photo: J.A. Sirvent