SPORTS 100617

Football first and results of Day 6 action in the FIFA World Cup – Spain were dealt a blow in their opening Group H encounter losing 1-nil to Switzerland in Durban.

Despite fielding star striker Fernando Torres in the second half, the European Champions drew blanks against a solid Swiss backline.

And after the opening goal by Gelson Fernandes in the 52nd minute, the Swiss could have scored a second if not for the upright.

Elswhere in Group H – Chile’s Jean Beausejour scored the only goal to help the South American side defeat Central America’s Hondurus in Nelspruit.

And over in Group A – hosts South Africa were struck twice by Diego Forlan as Uruguay beat them 3-nil in Pretoria.

The loss leaves South Afrcia rooted to the bottom of Group A and needing a win in their final tie against France to have any chance of progressing to the next stage.

And speaking about France – Les Bleus are back in action again tonight at 2:30am against Gold Cup winners Mexico.

A win for either side and they will surely join Uruguay in taking that big step into the Round of 16.

And looking ahead at more ties - at 7:30pm – Group B returns to action as Argentina will take on South Korea at Soccer City in Johnnesburg.

And at 10pm – Nigeria take on Greece in Bloemfontein, with both sides desperately needing a win to have any hope of moving onto the next stage.
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Finally back home in the S-League – Etoile FC strecthed their lead at the top of the table to five points with a 3-nil last night against Balestier Khalsa.

Playing at the Jalan Besar Stadium – the French-outfit scored all three goals in the first 45 with goals from Matthias Verschave and a brace from Frederic Mendy.
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