By Matthew Bellotti

The World Cup 2010 had by far its most exciting day on Wednesday June 16 as there was heartbreak and shock for both the favourites and the host nation.  

The evening started predictably enough with Chile strolling to a 1-0 victory over Honduras thanks to a goal from Jean Beausejour. However, the South American side’s dominance deserved more goals and the Hondurans were indebted to their goalkeeper Valladares who produced a gravity-defying leap to blindly claw one point-blank header away from his goal, that just a highlight in an all-round superb performance.

It was then the turn of the much-fancied Spanish team to take on Switzerland in the final first round of group games. And it was a case of saving the best – or at least most unlikely – until last. All through the World Cup teams that have taken the attacking intent have got their rewards but this was far from the case in Durban despite Vicente Del Bosque’s men enjoying 70% of the possession and creating more than twenty shots on goal.  
 
Switzerland produced a defensive masterclass, keeping virtually the whole team behind the ball at all times. All times that is apart from when a defensive collision between Gerard Pique and Iker Casillas (leaving Pique needing stitches in his eyebrow) saw the ball bobble agonisingly near the goal for Gelson Fernandes to react quickest and poke home from two yards. The unlikely goal after 52 minutes left Spain more than enough time to get back into the game but even the introduction of Pedro, Navas and Torres (has there ever been a more impressive set of subs brought on in World Cup history?) wasn’t enough to breach the organised backline of Ottmar Hitzfeld’s team. This was the first ever senior victory for Switzerland over Spain and gives the landlocked country a wonderful chance of not only progressing to Round Two but also topping the group, which would likely see favourites meet second favourites in a potential Spain Vs Brazil 2nd Round game – much to other sides like Netherlands, Germany and England’s delight, no doubt.

As if this wasn’t enough action, the late game saw three excellent goals from a rampant Uruguay side who pretty much killed off South Africa’s hopes of qualifying from their group. It was always going to be a tall order from Bafana-Bafana and they simply didn’t have enough to cope with the three-pronged attack of Suarez, Cavani and the withdrawn Forlan, the Atletico Madrid marksman bagging a brace.

Tonight’s games see the other sides in Group A look for their first win as Mexico meet France. And before that Maradona’s Argentina take on South Korea who also won their first match, either team knowing a win would see them be the first side to reach the next stage. Then it’s Greece versus Nigeria with both sides needing a dramatic improvement if they are to move forward. A draw in this one and it’s probably curtains for both of them.

Throughout the World Cup, Resorts World Genting are showing ALL the action on the BIGGEST SCREEN IN MALAYSIA, with RM2million worth of big prizes that must be won, including 2 Kia cars and 3 trips to South Africa for the finals!

Time Out KL has two World Cup viewing parties this week at the Genting International Show Rood (next to the casino), Level 2, Genting Hotel on Friday 18 and Saturday 20 June (Please note: the buses scheduled for Thursday 17 June have been cancelled, although the games will still be screened up at Genting). Fans can enjoy the atmosphere with drinks promotions, special offers and a buzzing crowd while watching Germany Vs Serbia, Slovenia Vs USA, England Vs Algeria, Netherlands Vs Japan, Ghana Vs Australia and Cameroon Vs Denmark. Resorts World Genting’s live screenings are enhanced by the live commentary and analysis from Liverpool and Wales legend Ian Rush and TV celebrity Chui Ling.

To join the Time Out KL buses that will leave Wisma Genting on Jalan Sultan Ismail in the heart of the city at 7pm Friday and Saturday, just enter the competitions promoted on the side and at the top of this page.

For further queries you may contact us at : events@mongooseasia.com