Spain survive as Torres courts controversy

FERNANDO TORRES was caught up in what FIFA would call a simulation controversy as Spain edged their way into the last 16 with a narrow 2-1 victory over 10-man Chile, but only after some theatrics from the Liverpool striker resulted in Marco Estrada being sent off.

The pre-tournament favourites will now play Portugal in the last 16 while Chile face Brazil, but Torres’ actions could yet prove a talking point after he fell to the floor clutching his face during a flowing move that led to Spain’s second goal, scored by Andres Iniesta.

Referee Marco Rodriguez, having awarded the goal, then produced a red card, but video replays clearly showed there had been only the slightest of contact as Estrada brushed harmlessly and accidentally past Torres — perhaps clipping the striker’s foot but certainly not his face.

Whether Torres was attempting to gain revenge for a series of previous tackles, including two from Waldo Ponce that deserved red cards in themselves, is impossible to know but it’s hard to think of any reason why he needed to roll on the floor clutching his face as Spain players called for Estrada to be dismissed.

It was a shame for the game because until that point Chile had given the European champions a real run for their money here in Pretoria.

This has already been the World Cup of shocks with France and Italy already out and South American sides ruling the roost instead, so it was hardly surprising Spain looked nervous in the early stages.

Chile by contrast looked fresh, bright and lively in possession, although their tackling was rather more naive, leading to early bookings for Medel, Estrada and Ponce.

Even so the South Americans, who had already beaten Honduras and Switzerland, looked dangerous every time they broke forward and had a wonderful chance to take the lead when Gonzalez fell as he attempted to convert a fine cross from Beausejour.

Alexis Sanchez also forced Casillas into a smart save with a cheeky lob but there were also warning signs for Chile, whose good play was punctuated by terrible tackles and careless defending.

They eventually imploded when keeper Claudio Bravo raced all the way to the touchline to try and deal with long through-ball but sent his clearance straight to David Villa.

It was a terrible error but the quality of Villa’s impudently curling shot, hit first-time with his left foot, gave the goal more than a hint of respectability.

The contest was effectively sealed after 37 minutes when Iniesta calmly slotted home and referee Rodriguez mysteriously sent off Estrada for felling Torres in the build-up.

But whether there was sportsmanship involved or not Chile had it coming — there were a number of other terrible tackles that really did deserve red but went unpunished.

Xabi Alonso was also left writhing in agony just before half time following a wayward challenge from the same player but somehow Rodriguez missed it all, perhaps in a subconscious desire to make up for earlier misdemeanours.

Battling Chile did briefly make a game of it in the second half, scoring with a deflected shot from Rodrigo Millar in the 47th minute; but with Switzerland drawing with Honduras there was no real incentive for either team to do anything other than wait for the final whistle.

So in the end Spain and the ineffective Torres, who was quietly substituted after the break, made it through despite that opening-match defeat against Switzerland that briefly had the European champions rocking on their heels. It hasn’t been convincing for nation or player; but like England and Rooney, perhaps the real theatrics are still to come.

CHILE: Bravo, Isla, Medel, Ponce, Jara, Vidal, Estrada, Gonzalez (Paredes 46), Sanchez (Orellana 65), Valdivia (Millar 46), Beausejour.

SPAIN: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Pique, Puyol, Capdevila, Xavi, Busquets, Alonso (Javi Martinez 73), Iniesta, Torres (Fabregas 55), Villa.

Referee: Marco Rodriguez (Mexico).