Friday, June 25, 2010

International Gunner Watch - Cesc Fabregas

Oh snap. Pic via Yahoo.

Chile 1: Millar 47
Spain 2: David Villa 24, Iniesta 37

U.S.-supporting Cesc Fabregas and Spain survived their early group stage scare to win Group H, thanks to a 2-1 win over Chile in Pretoria. Fabregas started on the bench again, but entered the match in the 55th minute, replacing a knocked Fernando Torres.

Spain struck first on a gift, as Chilean keeper Claudio Bravo charged out of his box to try to clear a loose ball with a sliding challenge. His clearance was sent directly to David Villa, who chipped an easy opening goal into a gaping net. Andres Iniesta, back in the line-up after injury put Spain up 2-0 just as Chile was put down to ten men after a second yellow card to Marco Estrada, who was booked the second time for a seemingly accidental collision with Torres. Chile pinged one back early in the second half with a goal from halftime substitute Rodrigo Millar in the 47th, but they could never find the equalizer. Chile will advance to face Brazil anyway, as Switzerland and Honduras played to a 0-0 draw.

With group play complete, Arsenal is left with three players remaining in the tournament. Carlos Vela has returned to training for Mexico and might potentially be available for their Round of 16 date with Argentina on Sunday. The Gunner schedule for the Round of 16:

Carlos Vela: Mexico v. Argentina, Sunday late game (2:30 p.m. EST, 7:30 p.m. BST)
Robin van Persie: Netherlands v. Slovakia, Monday early game (10:00 a.m. EST, 3:00 p.m. BST)
Cesc Fabregas: Spain v. Portugal, Tuesday late game (2:30 p.m. EST, 7:30 p.m. BST)

No comments:

Post a Comment