Villa’s double puts Spain back on track
SPAIN(2) vs HONDURAS(0)
DAVID VILLA showed why Barcelona dispensed with £35m for his services after his brace put Spain’s World Cup hopes back on the rails at Ellis Park.
The former Valencia hitman netted a goal in either half but then missed a penalty as the European champions turned on the style against a shell-shocked Honduras.
Villa’s goals mean the Spanish lie second in Group H behind Chile, but they still must beat the Chileans in Pretoria on Friday night to avoid a potential last-16 clash with fellow pre-tournament favourites Brazil.
Chile’s 1-0 win over Spain’s opening game conquerors Switzerland meant that defeat would end the Spaniards’ interest in the competition, but that never looked likely as they dominated from the off.
Villa smashed a fierce 25-yard effort against the bar before opening the scoring with a devastating individual run from the touchline and a brilliant finish into the top corner.
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres should have made it 2-0 before Villa showed his strike partner how it’s done with a right-foot shot after being put through by Xavi.
But Villa then wasted his chance for a hat-trick – Emilipo Izaguirre bringing down Jesus Navas, only for Villa to slot his spot-kick past the post.