Chile wins by single goal

Group H, 11:30 GMT, June 16, 2010
Mbombela Stadium

Honduras

0 - 1

Chile

Scoring Summary

Honduras	Chile
	Jean Beausejour (34')

Match Stats

Honduras

Chile

7(1)	Shots (on Goal)	22(5)
15	Fouls	21
4	Corner Kicks	6
2	Offsides	5
36%	Time of Possession	64%
1	Yellow Cards	2
0	Red Cards	0
4	Saves	1

Match Information

Stadium:	Mbombela Stadium
Attendance:	32,664
Match Time:	11:30 GMT
Official(s):	Eddy Maillet (Referee)

Man of the Match: Alexis Sanchez 

MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Alexis Sanchez - Great things were expected of the player nicknamed The Wonder Boy' at this World Cup and in his opening game, Sanchez did not disappoint. Exhibiting his repertoire of tricks on the right wing, Sanchez was the focal point of the Chile attack and supplied a constant stream of enticing deliveries. Still just 21, his use of the ball was superb and it is no surprise that clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid are taking note.

Honduras verdict: The nation with a population of less than eight million were always going to struggle at the finals, and Reinaldo Rueda's side lacked a spark in attack with striker David Suazo sidelined due to injury. Honduras looked better at the back, but given they face Spain next, this defeat could prove fatal to their chances of making it out of the group.

Chile verdict: Marco Bielsa's side brought some much-needed flair to the finals with a stylish performance. However, they should have put the game beyond doubt having missed a number of excellent chances. Their opening display will have caught the eye though, and their final game of the group against Spain should be an occasion to behold. Imaginative and tricky, they could be dark horses. They should be even better when Humberto Suazo, the top scorer in South American qualifying, is fit again.

Could do better: Referee Eddy Maillet. After proving overly card-happy in the first half, Maillet should really have dismissed Wilson Palacios for a second yellow card just before the hour mark, but failed to do so. The official from the Seychelles produced a succession of puzzling decisions.

Stat attack: Chile secured their first World Cup victory outside South America. They had previously won games in Uruguay (1930), Brazil (1950) and on home turf (1962).