Whose World? What Cup? (Day 11a)

I've watched a match in which a card-happy ref gave out something like eight yellow cards and a red. The red went to the Swiss, and they ended the game down one man and down one goal against Chile. It was hard to tell who was redder or crosser.

Switzerland after the sending-off had this amazing 4-4-1-0 that appeared to be 6-3-0-0 at times. I swear I saw a flat back six. But somehow, everyone fell asleep! First time I'd seen Switzerland bore themselves to sleep, and then try to wake up. It didn't work.

The next match is between Spain and the Honduras. Spain must win. The question is whether they can or not. They always come in looking like champions and more often than not have problems along the way proving it. I think the player who most epitomizes Spain is Cesc Fabregas. He is dynamic, creative, active, and sometimes just short of a match winner when it counts.

We'll see.

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David Villa and Jesus Navas are probably the standout performers for Spain this first half; a goal from the former has given Spain a 1-0 lead. However, there have been a lot of free drama performances by some excellent actors, as well as genuine acts of petty stupidity that deserve to have been punished by the ref but weren't. Everybody here has a Latin temperament, it seems.

And it ends 2-0. That Villa guy? Scored the second and missed a penalty. Spain was profligate; if they had stuck to their guns, if the Torres had been more alert, they could have done a 7-0 like Portugal. As it is, they shouldn't be satisfied with their little victory.