Here’s one fact about Group H – Spain are going through. Here’s a second fact – the other position is going to be hell to secure for the other three teams. With Spain ranked number 1, and the others 15+, at least one spot has been reserved…
Group H
Spain
Current World Ranking: 1
Spain were off to a flying start – qualifying for these group stages with two games still left to play. That makes it the ninth time in the row they’ve gotten into these stages. Pretty good going Spain, pretty good going.
But here’s the chunky bit.
Spain have knocked Brazil off the top spot. After many years of dominating the top spot, Brazil has finally fallen. It truly is a testimony to the amount of progress Spain has made over the last few years, and how much they’ve improved as a team.
As a matter of fact, usually I would highlight the star player in each team, but for Spain, it’s exceedingly hard. It’s like the whole team deserves the top spot. So, I’m just going to say, take a look at the whole Spanish line-up, and you’ll find them rather impossible to beat.
Isn’t it ironic that the world’s number 1 has never even gotten into the top 3 teams at the world cup?
Switzerland
Current World Ranking: 18
Switzerland just managed to get that point they needed to get to these stages from Israel, and even after that, they’re still dragging their boots.
Still, Switzerland impressed at the last world cup, where, up until they lost against Ukraine in the second-round, they did not concede a single goal. And in addition to that, their Euro 2008 performance should have boosted their morale.
The side’s most able players are probably Bayer Leverkusen‘s Tranquillo Barnetta and Udinese‘s Gokhan Inler. But as well as their midfield duo, there’s also players like Alexander Frei.
However, in this group, they’re going to have to play hard.
Honduras
Current World Ranking: 38
A fairly unknown side – this being the second time they’ve ever gotten into these group stages – and they’re doing pretty good so far.
Having beaten El Salvador 1-0, they managed to qualify by the skin of their teeth. And all of it just after a military coup in June.
It goes without saying that over the last few years, the Hondurian national team has rapidly improve, boasting players like Tottenham midfielder Wilson Palacios and Wigan duo Hendry Thomas and Maynor Figueroa.
It would be a slight surprise if they manage to progress, but the odd are, this is as far as they’re going to go.
Chile
Current World Ranking: 17
I’m going to admit that I love the way Chile play. All attack, and no defence? Wasn’t it some crazy kung-fu master who once said that the best form of defence of attack?
That’s clearly untrue however, seeing as Chile’s conceded 22 goals so far. Seven of these came from their two meetings with Brazil.
Definitely not good for a country trying to become South America‘s best.
Marcelo Biesla has certainly done a good job with the team however, as they’re progressed greatly.
The line-up will come as a surprise to you. The Chile team is very young – so young that the average player for this nation is only 23.
With players like Sporting Lisbon’s Matias Fernandez and Al Ain’s Jorge Valdivia, Chile boasts very creative player. In addition to that they have Alexis Sanchez of Udinese and Monterrey’s Humberto Suazo to further variate the team’s play.
Chile are a big contender for the second spot in this group.