World Cup Predictions: Group H

Group H: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile

Players to Watch:
Xavi (Spain)
Alex Frei (Switzerland)
David Suazo (Honduras)
Matias Fernandez (Chile)


Match to Watch:
Chile vs. Spain
June 25, 2:30 P.M. (ESPN)


Predictions:

Honduras vs. Chile
June 16, 7:30 A.M. EDT (ESPN)
After the final day of CONCACAF qualification, Honduras is just happy - well, estatic really - with being in the World Cup Finals. But if I was being honest with all of you - and you were being honest with yourselves, as well - that is where their joy ends. Chile, on the other hand, is riding an incredible wave of momentum from CONMEBOL qualification. Expect La Roja of Chile to have a break-out tournament and to start with this game.
Result: HON 0 - 2 CHI

Spain vs. Switzerland
June 16, 10:00 A.M. EDT (ESPN)
The Swiss are known for many things: Fine chocolate, world class clocks, discrete banking practices, Roger Federer. They are not, however, known for being a traditional powerhouse in European soccer. Spain's insecurities of their inability to perform when it counts the most, when the world's eyes are turned upon them may factor into this game. And a slip-up from the glorious Euro 2008 champions may not be completely unexpected, but in the end, I believe this is Spain's year and Switzerland will not be able to stand up to the dynamic attacks of this group.
Result: ESP 2 - 1 SUI

Chile vs. Switzerland
June 21, 10:00 A.M. EDT (ESPN)
This match is a story of forgotten children. Both Chile and Switzerland have respectable sporting histories to their names, but are never listed as forces to be reckoned with on their respective continents. Not to mention both have been demanding a little more soccer respect from their neighbors over the past six years. Chile will prevail, though and sew up qualification for the next round.
Result: CHI 1 - 0 SUI

Spain vs. Honduras
June 21, 2:30 P.M. EDT (ESPN)
I haven't decided if it's in good taste to make a Conquistador joke here or not. Either way, Spain will take the three points.
Result: ESP 3 - 0 HON

Chile vs. Spain
June 25, 2:30 P.M. EDT (ESPN)
Cue the epic music, because this match has all the trappings. Chile will be looking to nick top spot from Spain, thus making Spain's path to the World Cup much more difficult (the second place team of this group will likely meet Brazil in the second round). I fully anticipate a high-scoring draw to result.
Result: CHI 2 - 2 ESP

Switzerland vs. Hounduras
June 25, 2:30 P.M. EDT (ESPN 2)
An essentially meaningless game, Switzerland will take the points and escape with their dignity in tact to fight another day ... namely at Euro 2012. Honduras will leave the tournament with lessons learned and homework to do.
Result: SUI 1 - 0 HON


Final standings: