PRETORIA–David Villa and Andres Iniesta scored a goal each yesterday to help Spain beat ten-man Chile 2-1 and send both teams into the round of 16 from Group H. Villa scored from 45 metres (yards) in the 24th minute at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. He ran on to a loose ball and curled a left-footed shot into an open goal after Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo had rushed out of the area to clear Xabi Alonso's long ball. Iniesta, who returned from a right leg injury, jumped on a loose ball in the midfield and eventually worked it to Villa down the left. The Barcelona striker drew defenders Arturo Vidal and Mauricio Isla before passing back to Iniesta to side-foot past Bravo in the 37th.
Marco Estrada was sent off after being booked for a second time during the buildup to the second goal. After replacing the suspended Carlos Carmona as holding midfielder, Estrada was first booked in the 21st and shown a red card for tripping Fernando Torres.
Chile substitute Rodrigo Millar pulled one back for the South American team, scoring from a shot that deflected off Gerard Pique in the 47th. Spain finished at the top of Group H with six points and will play Portugal in the next round, while Chile also has six points and will face Brazil after finishing second on goal difference.
Estrada's sending off gave Spain space to work its quick-touch passing game and hold better possession after a bruising start when the Chileans were able to knock the Spanish off the ball and looked dangerous on the counterattack. With Spain starting the second half slowly, Millar–who replaced Mark Gonzalez to start the half–took advantage of the time and space given to him at the edge of the area for a shot that left goalkeeper Iker Casillas without a chance. But Spain held on for a win that ensured one of the pre-tournament favourites advanced despite not being at its sharpest. (AP)