CBC-Sports

Bora wins despite result

June 17, 2009 08:21 PM | Posted by   Jason de Vos  

A few days ago, I wrote that there were only a handful of teams in the world capable of containing Spain, the world's No. 1-ranked team, when they are on form.

Well, Iraq nearly made me eat my words.

For the majority of today's game between these two Group A combatants in the Confederations Cup, Iraq stifled and stymied the stylish Spaniards.

La Roja was reduced to snatching at chances because the stubborn Iraqis limited them to half-glimpses of the goal. Only once in the first half did Spanish striker David Villa look like opening the scoring, when his left-footed volley hit the side netting.

Apart from that chance, the first half was a master class in defensive football from headmaster Bora Milutinovic. The Serbian coach of the Iraqis set out for a 0-0 draw in the hopes of upsetting the heavily favoured Spanish and it very nearly paid off. Unfortunately for him, all it took was one lapse in concentration.

In the 55th minute, Villa made space inside the box, allowing Juan Capdevila to pick him out with a superb cross. Villa made no mistake with the header, burying it into the bottom right-hand corner of the goal.

It shouldn't have come as a surprise to the Iraqis though, as Villa missed an easier chance just a moment earlier. Santi Cazorla whipped in a lovely ball, only for Villa to head straight into the keeper's arms.

Spain threatened to add to their lead in the second half, but the Iraqis held firm for a result that must have please Milutinovic. After seeing Spain demolish New Zealand 5-0, the Serbian must have feared the worst for his side. But once again, Bora showed just why he has taken five different teams to the World Cup; his tactical set-up was perfect.

Defending with 10 men behind the ball and playing for a draw is risky business, as all it takes is one goal for the house of cards to come crashing down.

When the inevitable finally did occur, it might have been tempting for Bora to throw caution to the wind and send men forward in search of the equalizer.

That didn't happen, because it would have left Iraq vulnerable to concede more goals. A 1-0 loss to Spain, however, has to be viewed as a moral victory of sorts.

Bora knows that and he deserves credit for coming out of this game with something, despite being on the wrong end of the score. Due to the slim margin of defeat, Iraq now has a chance to advance to the semifinals.

They have one point from two games with a goal difference of minus-1. South Africa, on the other hand, has four points with a goal difference of plus-2. If Iraq can beat New Zealand, who is out of the competition, in their final group game, and South Africa loses to Spain, which is probable, Iraq and South

Africa will be level on points with four apiece.

The tiebreaker is decided by the head-to-head result first, followed by goal differential, followed by goals scored. Since the game between the two teams

finished in a draw, it would come down to goal differential, then goals scored. A big victory for Iraq against the Kiwis, coupled with a Spanish win over South Africa would send the Iraqis through to the semi-finals.

South Africa, on the other hand, might be left to rue a number of missed opportunities against New Zealand in the other Group A game today.

Despite dominating the game, the Bafana Bafana could only manage to put two goals past Glen Moss in the Kiwi goal. It wasn't for lack of effort or chances as the combination of some wonderful goalkeeping from Moss and some woeful finishing from South Africa saw the match end in a modest 2-0 victory for the host nation.

Those missed chances could be costly as I fancy Iraq to beat New Zealand. The Kiwis look out of their depth in this tournament and the best that they can hope for is to use this experience to aid them in their quest for a World Cup place next summer.

South Africa will have a difficult time against the champions of Europe. Even Spain's substitutes would provide formidable opposition for the hosts and I imagine that one or two Spanish stars will be given a rest ahead of the semifinals. South Africa will need to play better than they have so far if they are to have any chance of reaching the knockout phase of the competition.

We know this for certain - Spain is through to the semifinals and New Zealand is going home. The second qualifying place in Group A is up for grabs and both South Africa and Iraq have it all to play for. Right now, I think the advantage lies with Iraq, but dont count out the Bafana Bafana.

Home-field advantage - and the emotional momentum that can come with it - might prove to be the deciding factor on the final day of group play.

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