By Ollie Irish
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Portugal’s tactics were very simple but very flawed: 1) Park the proverbial bus, 2) Stick Cristiano Ronaldo up front on his own. This didn’t work, as Spain didn’t let Portugal touch the ball. Poor old Carlos Queiroz didn’t seem to have a clue, did he!?
Justice, then. Spain came to win, they wanted to win, they fully deserved to win. Most importantly, they got the win, which means they’re still on course to become the first team in World Cup history to win the tournament despite losing their opening match.
Thinking more about this match, I feel a little sorry for Ronaldo (don’t tell anyone though). He was hung out to dry, and although he behaved like the spoiled narcissist we know he is, it must be very frustrating when you fail to connect with your team-mates in any way.
Spain were excellent – David Villa especially (how good will Barcelona be next season – scary even to think about it) – and are growing stronger with each match. They will beat Paraguay (surely!?) and then comes a mouthwatering semi-final against either Argentina or Germany. For what it’s worth, I think Spain will triumph against Argentina in that game, then lose to Brazil in the final. Bet on that if you wish. I am seldom right in these matters.