Spain 2, Chile 1. A pleasing result because Spain and Chile -- both attacking sides -- go through, at the expense of the insanely boring Swiss, who could not score a goal on Honduras.

Spain-Chile was quite interesting until the 75th or so minute, when it became clear that the then 2-1 scoreline would send both teams through, so they essentially stopped trying. Before that, the game was lively. Spain, who needed a victory if the Swiss were to beat Honduras, looked nervous early, far sloppier with the ball than Spain ever is. Example: Andres Iniesta, who probably has the best close control in the entire world, mishandled several early balls. And Chile, credit to them, attacked vigorously. Then the Chilean keeper charged far out of the box to beat an onrushing Torres to the ball, but Villa one-touched the keeper's clearance into the empty goal. From approximately 35 yards away. He's awesome.

Spain settled after that, and Iniesta scored a wonderful second goal when he, with one touch, threaded a Villa cross through the Chilean defense and past the keeper. He's awesome. I'm delighted he and La Furia Roja advanced.

I still think (unhappily) that Brazil will probably beat Spain if they meet. Brazil has world class talent; they play tireless, resolute defense; and they don't rattle. Even the surreal shock of going down 2-0 to the US in last year's Confederations Cup did not break them. Spain, on the other hand, has shown nerves and looked vulnerable. I'd want Spain to beat Brazil, for beauty reasons, but I don't see it. In fact, I think Brazil is overwhelmingly likely to win the tournament. Other teams have superior offenses -- Argentina, Netherlands, Spain -- but the Brazilian defense is comparatively better than all their defenses. I see them Dunga-ing their way to the Cup, with no Zidane to send them home. Not what I want to happen, but that's my prediction.

Let the knockouts begin!

FF