Nelson Mandela Bay is set to play host to an intriguing clash of styles on Monday when Chile take on Switzerland in their second Group H encounter at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Both sides kicked off their campaigns in South Africa with 1-0 wins, with the Chileans sinking Honduras and the resilient Swiss turning over European champions Spain.
Switzerland's shock victory over the Spanish in Durban, secured by Gelson Fernandes' 52nd-minute strike, underlined the defensive strength of a team that also played four games at Germany 2006 without conceding a goal.
Under experienced boss Ottmar Hitzfeld, the Helvetians worked overtime to nullify Spain which had hit 28 goals in 10 European Zone qualifiers.
However, they can never expect a breather against Marcelo Bielsa's all-action Chile side, who were noted for their non-stop attacking play and packed with young and gifted performers.
Even without leading striker Humberto Suazo against Honduras, La Roja's clutch of small, speedy front-runners created a host of presentable chances, though eventually had to settle for a win by the narrowest of margins.
The full points secured in their respective openers mean that, in the case of a draw in the Spain-Honduras clash in Johannesburg, a win for either Chile or Switzerland would guarantee them a place in the Round of 16.
"We don't need to get the calculators out, because our fate is entirely in our own hands. Besides which, we're not going to change of style of play because we're taking on Switzerland. We always play the same way, as we showed against Honduras," said Chilean goalkeeper Luis Marin.
【体坛英语资讯:Group winners face each other, hoping for earlier entry of last 16】相关文章:
★ 体坛英语资讯:Kuznetsova ends Sharapovas run
★ 娱乐英语资讯:Aishwarya Rai and her husband promote an entertainment event in Toronto
★ 体坛英语资讯:Pain-free Yao back on track for Games
★ 体坛英语资讯:Gonzalez stuns Federer in round-robin in Shanghai
★ 体坛英语资讯:Mourning career likely over after knee injury
★ 娱乐英语资讯:Kate Hudsons son excited seeing mom on TV
★ 体坛英语资讯:Angolan womens soccer team qualifies for Cosafa Cup final
★ 娱乐英语资讯:Mary-Kate Olsen hospitalized in NYC
★ 体坛英语资讯:Seeded players raise US Open heat
★ 体坛英语资讯:Hosts hopes up in the air at World Cup
最新
2020-09-15
2020-09-15
2020-09-15
2020-09-15
2020-09-15
2020-09-15