Spain 2-0 Honduras

David Villa missed a second-half penalty as Spain cruised to a 2-0 win over Honduras in their Group H World Cup 2010 clash, throwing away the chance for a hat-trick.

After a disappointing result against the Swiss it was unfortunate for the Central Americans to have to suffer the come back of Pele's pick for the tournament. However in the second half they did grow in confidence but never looked like really putting Casillas under pressure.

David Villa found the net after just sevenn minutes and Spain continued to strive for more. La Furia Roja had numerous opportunities but it wasn't till the second half when they doubled their lead through Villa again.

The main suprise from the Spanish camp was the exclusion of Andres Iniesta from the midfield. Top of the cards however was the inclusion of striker Fernando Torres to the line up. Within one minute of kick off, the Liverpool stiker showed a classy flick, something that fans in Spain and Liverpool have been missing.

Spain began in a 4-4-2 diamond formation with Xavi sitting in behind the forwards, seemingly allowing extra width to La Furia Roja. Jesus Navas finding space early on but his cross was too close to the Honduras keeper, Valladares.

Spain as expected started much the brighter and were inches from the lead after just six minutes. David Villa controlled and turned, still it least 30-yards from goal, the forward fizzed his shot smacking the crossbar and dropping just wide and the onrushing Xavi.

Pressure was mounting on the Honduran goal and there was a real expectation of when rather than if. A corner was neatly worked by Alonso and Xavi and dropped inbetween three Spanish defenders and was dealt bravely with by Valladares. Alonso again was the architect of the next wave. The Real midfielder picked out Villa wide on the left but this time his effort was rash and raced well wide.

Casillas was finally called in to some decisive action after 15 minutes. The keeper unconvincingly cleared a cross with a slide tackle but Wilson Palacios could not control his shot for Honduras.

All was forgotten quickly as La Furia Roja finally broke the deadlock on 17 minutes. David Villa tormenting the Honduran defence once more. The striker turned back inside Chavez from the left and guided his shot into the top corner despite a small touch from the keeper. A much deserved lead and fantastic entertainment.

Spain still looked a little nervous at the back while handling Martinez and Suazo and were just about getting the job done.

A second goal for Spain was a longer pair of legs away, as Xavi lept to meet a Jesus Navas cross and it merely skimmed of his hair to safety. The link up play from the Spanish midfield was a delight to watch at times and Navas and Ramos in particular were having much joy down the right flank. Sergio Ramos running rings round the back line of Honduras and finding Torres at the far post but he couldn't get his header on target. A second chance fell almost immediately to the frontman, running into the box and turning inside the last defender but his touch was a little heavy and he fired high into the stand. It wasn't to be Torres' night thus far.

Villa almost doubled his tally with five minutes left of the first half, again Navas down the right supplying a low cross into the striker who just couldn't direct his effort on goal.

The Spanish held their nerves against a Honduras corner in the final minute of the half to take a 1-0 lead into the second half.

Honduras made an attacking change at the beginning of the second half, introducing Georgie Welcome for Espinoza in search of an equaliser.

Honduras started with a bit of enthusiasm but is was to be deja vu for the central Americans. Spain broke quickly as Xavi laid the ball wide and a fine cut back from Navas allowed Villa time to take a touch and apply the finish. His shot took a deflection of Chavez, which was enough to take it beyond the keeper.

Another quick attack by Spain led by Xavi once more, receiving the ball from a nice roll back by Torres but Xavi's pass was just a little too heavy for Capdevila on the left and his cross was headed behind for a corner.

With an hour on the clock Jesus Navas was brought down inside the area by Izaguirre and the referee pointed straight to the spot. Possibly still with Fernando Torres' appeal in the first half still in his mind. David Villa stepped up on his hat-trick but slid his effort just wide of the right post. The disappointment was evident from all.

David Suazo almost gave the Hondurans an instant response but didn't get his foot round the ball from the edge of the area.

It was end to end action, the introduction of Cesc Fabregas for Xavi almost was inspired. The Arsenal captain broke the offside trap racing clear, rounded the goalkeeper but saw his effort cleared from the line.The resulting corners saw a deflected Navas header almost wrong foot Valladares but the keeper kept his cool and held on.

Honduras continued to search for a goal, Nunez however wasn't able to keep the Jubulani ball down as his free kick sailed over.

As Spain tried to cool the tempo of the match down, Honduras managed to control the ball better than the first half but chances were still coming for La Furia Roja. Villa had one attempt blocked down and then very nearly connected with a fired cross by Juan Mata, who replaced Torres.

Villa again found himself in space in the middle, Jesus Navas supplying a fine low cross from the right. The Barca frontman took a touch instead of shooting first time and eventually saw his shot blocked infront of goal.

Spain continued to trick and torment in to stoppage time but in the end will more than settle for the three points. They now go into the vital game with Chile on Friday with some confidence and minutes under the belt of Torres. A fine performance in what was a outstanding game for more than an hour. The Hondurans can't be disappointed after tonight and can hold their heads high.