The final round of group matches saw Spain and Chile claim places in the knockout stages, with Switzerland missing out.

Spain regained their expected position as group winners courtesy of a 2-1 win over Chile. Spain topped the group with six points and a superior goal difference to their South American rivals, but Chile also went through ahead of Switzerland.

David Villa notched his third goal of the tournament after picking up on an error of judgement by goalkeeper Claudio Bravo to loft the ball into an empty net from 40 yards, before Andres Iniesta doubled the advantage with a sweetly placed shot from the edge of the box.

Marco Estrada was sent off for a coming together with Fernando Torres in the build up to the second goal, leaving Chile with a mountain to climb.

However, Rodrigo Millar was introduced at half-time and only took two minutes to make an impression as his shot was deflected past Iker Casillas to give Chile an all important goal.

Spain have doubts over Xabi Alonso for the round of 16 tie against Portugal, after he picked up a knock in the match, with his replacement Javi Martinez of Athletic Bilbao expected to take his place. Raul Albiol has been ruled out altogether.

Chile face the mighty Brazil in the first knockout phase, but will be hampered by a string of suspensions. In addition to Estrada, Gary Medel and Waldo Ponce will serve suspensions for picking up too many bookings. Carlos Carmona and Matias Fernandez will be available again, whilst Humberto Suazo could also be called upon.

SWITZERLAND VS. HONDURAS

In the group’s other game, Switzerland missed their chance to go through by playing out a 0-0 draw with Honduras.

A two-goal win would’ve been enough to carry the Swiss through into the next round, but their goal-shy attack failed to convert their chances and they bow out in the group stage, despite defeating Spain in the first round of matches.

Honduras join Algeria as the only side to leave the World Cup without troubling the scorers, but will at least have a point to be proud of. They did however neglect to make some more history by fielding all three Palacios brothers at the same time, with Jonny Palacios remaining an unused sub for the duration of the game.