Double Trouble From David Villa Keeps Spain Alive

David Villa celebrates one of his 2 goals against Honduras with his teammates. Villa just missed the chance for a Hat-Trick, as he put a penalty just wide, but his brace keeps Spain alive and gets them the 3 points they needed in Group H.



Spain vs. Honduras: A match that both sides needed desperately to win in order to stay alive. Spain came to play however, as they turned it around as was hoped, and got the 3 points they needed to advance. The one to thank for all of this? None other than our own "Siete de Espana", "El Guaje", and "Villa Maravilla". That's right. David Villa was the man of the match by far. He opened up the scoring for Spain early in the match, and what a goal it was. He weaved around 2 defenders as he came in from the flank, fought off another inside the 18, and took the shot, watching it go past the Honduran keeper. His second would come later, as he would take a brilliant shot from just outside the 18 that was probably going to sink into the far post, yet it deflected off a defender and went in through the top netting instead. Soon after, Jesus Navas would go down in the box, meaning a penalty kick in Spain's favor. The fans held their breath as Villa stepped up to hopefully convert the shot that would make his set a complete 3, meaning a hat-trick in the World Cup finals. Villa, who is an excellent penalty taker, gets them in practically 9/10 times. Unfortunately for Villa, this was one of those 1/10 times, as he shot it to the right, and had the keeper beat....however, it went just just wide. In an instant, the opportunity to convert the penalty had come and gone, as did Villa's chances of successfully completing a hat-trick. It was a real shame, as Villa played phenomenally, and without a doubt, deserved that Hat-Trick. Villa would get one more chance about 8 yards out, off a ground cross from the right flank, but his extra touch used to set-up cost him the opportunity, as the Honduran defender came from behind just as he placed his shot, stealing the hat-trick from Villa.


Overall, it seemed like the real Spain was starting to show again. Their passing game was fluid and methodical, and they converted a few opportunities, with the help of Villa. The other players missed some chances that they maybe should have put away. Still, even though this win gives Spain hope, and also the 3 points needed to stay alive, we shouldn't be jumping for joy yet. We still need to win against Chile if we want to advance further in the competition. That match is going to be a crucial one....but it won't be easy by any stretch of the imagination. If Spain wants to win, they need to come to play. And right now, every match counts. If Spain play at the best of their ability, there is no doubt in my mind that we can go on to win the entire competition.

Denise