Chile 1-0 Honduras
A sparkling game this one. That Chile only scored the one goal is down to profligacy in front of goal, some good goalkeeping and a certain amount of bad luck. Theirs was an interesting approach. Too many teams have approached their first game in this World Cup with a 'try no to lose' attitude. Chile's was a 'try to win' attitude and they received their reward in terms of points if not goals.
The opening and indeed only goal of the game came on 34 minutes as Jean Beausejour bundled the ball over the line from Mauricio Isla's right wing cross. Perhaps the only low point of the game was the somewhat strange inconsistency of referee Eddy Maillet. But no matter, he was the same for both sides.
So that was the penultimate game in the first round of matches - just Spain versus Switzerland to go now. Who is going to join Spain in qualifying from this group is probably a choice of Chile or the Swiss. Having started so brightly, Chile will be hoping that Switzerland are unable to match them against the European Champions. If I were a betting man I'd say, 'unlikely'.
