Day 6 - Chile slick, Spain stunned, Forlan merks Africa

Three thoroughly enjoyable games in a day for the first time during these Finals. A suave and refreshing Chile side got off the mark, Spain wobbled without absolutely anyone seeing it coming, and the host nation's hopes were almost extinguished with the help of a Premier League reject...

Honduras 0 Chile 1
Chile looked useful though the scoreline did not do their domination justice – that might just be a problem for them against better opposition. Honduras were spirited enough and defended well but are unlikely to progress. Alexis Sanchez could emerge as an unexpected star of the tournament as he pulled the strings for an attack-minded Chile team. Their next match against Switzerland on Monday could prove vital. (MM)

Marcelo Bielsa's side have probably been the most easy on the eye so far, with the possible exclusion of Germany. He didn't quite go for as mental a formation as i'd hoped, playing four at the back, but they demonstrated why many people have picked them as a dark horse, if not to win the trophy then to possibly make the last four. Sanchez is obviously the star, but you have to love Waldo Ponce. Honduras weren't awful by any means, but the Chileans are great in possession and could trouble some of the bigger boys. (LS)

Spain 0 Switzerland 1
The first real shock and one from which Spain should recover. Switzerland put in a sterling defensive performance and nicked a comedy goal through Man City reject Gelson Fernandes. Spain should get their tournament on track against Honduras and should have more space to create against the attacking Chileans. A great three points for the Swiss that gives them a real chance of progression. (MM)

One of those peculiar games where despite you wanting slick football to prevail over last-ditch defending you're quite happy to see the latter prevail. Spain played well, but couldn't break through, and Grichting in particular was outstanding. Nkufo and Derdiyok both lead the line well, giving Hitzfeld's side occasional targets for the break. Whilst the goal was very sloppy, beggars can't be choosers when it comes to beating the best international side in the world.

A routine next game for the European Champions should enable them to get back on track. Hard to predict Chile/Switzerland, but not losing that could see the Swiss sneak through. (LS)

South Africa 0 Uruguay 3
A result that leaves South Africa needing to beat France in their final group match to stay in the tournament and puts Uruguay in pole position to progress. Diego Forlan was excellent in a more withdrawn role for Uruguay, scoring their first two goals. South Africa really lacked quality going forward and, though it’ll be a shame for the tournament if they go out, they really haven’t shown enough to merit a last 16 place. (MM)

An absolute rimming. Uruguay's front three were all excellent and the inclusion of Cavani in particular allowed the other two to have more of an impact on the game. Forlan's one of very few players left at the top level nowadays who seem universally loved. Being binned by United - probably the biggest club in the world at the time - must have been hard to take, but six years and almost 150 club goals later, he's one of the best strikers on the planet.

I felt a bit for Khune. I guess by the letter of the law he had to go, but it was more naive than cynical, though undoubtedly a pen. Uruguay should get the inevitable draw with Mexico now, ensuring they both progress. I fancy them to at least make the quarters. (LS)

Matt Morrison, Lee Shed