Six weeks after UEFA president Michel Platini called the National Stadium a disaster, president of the Confederation of North America and the Caribbean Football Association (CONCACAF), Jeffrey Webb, has said he is heartbroken at the condition of this country’s lone stadium.

  “I am heartbroken over the condition of the National Stadium. It is badly maintained and has fallen into a state of disrepair. I can remember coming to Barbados over twenty years ago with football teams and the condition of the stadium was not much better than it is today. Sadly it is obvious that  the facility is in need of repairs,” Webb said.

The president explained that he has held discussions with Minister of Sports Stephen Lashley about the condition of the National Stadium but CONCACAF and FIFA, the governing body of football, could not render assistance to help with the repairing of the National Stadium because it was not owned by  the Barbados Football Association (BFA).

While he expressed concerns over the condition of the National Stadium, Webb was impressed with the football facility that is being built by the University of the West Indies and said it would be a major asset in the development of football on the island.

Webb said that he had intimate knowledge of Barbados which he gained from bringing football teams to the island over several years. He sated that he was impressed with the Goal Project being undertaken by the BFA at Widley and hoped that he would have the opportunity to open it in two years time along with the FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

The president said the lack of resources in the region was a major drawback for football. He noted that for members of CONCACAF  the education of footballers would play a key role in the development of the sport in the region.

Webb explained that the supervision of football was very expensive in the Caribbean and  that the management of the limited resources was the key to the advancement of the sport across the region.

The CONCACAF head said that regional body had recovered from the challenges it faced over the last two years. “We  have had over challenges over the last two years. The region is fully aware of the problems which the body has encountered over the last three years.

“We have made an effort to resolve those problems by making our statutes stronger and forming closer ties with the associations that comprise CONCACAF. So we have put those those problems behind us and are moving forward,” Webb said.

CONCACAF has come under the microscope over the past few years after its former head and FIFA vice-president Austin “Jack” Warner was cited for instances of financial impropriety.

He was accused of corruption in a probe headed by retired Barbadian Chief Justice Sir David Simmons. Warner stepped down from CONCACAF amid  the controversy.

Webb expressed his confidence in the BFA under the leadership of its president Randy Harris.

“The president of the BFA and I met during our last congress in Panama and we discussed his plans for the development of football in Barbados. I am happy that the leadership of the football in Barbados is in the hands of a person who is committed to the development of the game and who is keen on raising its standards,” Webb said.

St Gabriel’s undefeated run continued today when they thrashed St Christopher Primary 4-0 in the BICO-sponsored National Sports Council’s Primary Schools Football Competition at Briar Hall, Christ Church, today.

St Gabriel’s entered the game as favourites and played true to expectations. In the first half midfielder Alex Dent sent in a corner which floated in the far post and found midfielder Jody Greene who was in the perfection position to head the ball into the back of the nets.

St Gabriel’s goal scorer Ryan Lashley controlling the ball despite a strong challenge from St Bartholomew’s left-back, Jaheim Murrell.

St Gabriel’s would soon add another when Dent once again sent in a cross to the right of the field to right wing Kaitlin Padmore who blasted a right-footed shot past St Christopher’s goalkeeper Kion DaSilva into the nets.

It was a few minutes before half-time when striker Bryan Lashley scored from just outside the 18-yard box to take St Gabriel’s into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead.

St Christopher Primary clearly did not learn anything from the first half as they allowed St Gabriel’s strikers to get free behind their defensive cover on several occasions. Unsurprisingly, it wasn’t long before the boys in blue and white scored another goal. St Gabriel’s striker Asher JnPierre dribbled his way past two of St Christopher defenders in the box as though they were statues and scored.

St Angela’s and St Winifred’s were also engaged in another exciting match-up at Briar Hall.

St Angela’s goal-scorer Aren Spencer leaps high above his team-mates to make this headed clearance.

St Angela’s, playing in red, almost scored a goal early in the first half but the ball was just tipped out by St Angela’s goalkeeper, Keegan-Noah Moses.

There were several goal scoring opportunities for St Angela’s but they failed to capitalize and the first half ended 0-0.

When the second half resumed it was St Winifred’s who upped the pressure and went on the offensive constantly harrying St Angela’s defenders. St Angela’s strike pair Aren Spencer and Jalen Johnson had other ideas though.  Johnson crossed the ball from the right side to Spencer who volleyed a left foot shot into the back of the nets to give St Angela’s the 1-0 result.

The game between St Bartholomew’s Primary and Wills Primary ended 0-0 while also at Briar Hall Milton Lynch defeated Vauxhall 3-0.

St Bartholomew’s goalkeeper Rick-Kobe Lewis held on to a good save with Wills Primary striker Zion Mayers charging in.

Wills Primary midfielder Abiola Grant leaves St Bartholomew’s right-back Danon Scott in her wake as she heads up-field.

At Ellerton, Raheem Wickham, Keemaun Beckles and Shabari Lynch scored as Cuthbert Moore beat St. John Primary 3-0.

Other results: All Saints 2, Roland Edwards 0; Sharon Primary 1, St Silas 0; St Lukes Brighton 1, Blackman & Gollop 0; Workman’s 1, Mount Tabor 1, Ellerton ,1 Bay Primary 4;  Luther Thorne 5, Belmont 1; Arthur Smith 2, St Lawrence 1; St George Primary 2, Hilltop 1; Gordon Greenidge 1, Ignatius Byer 0; Boscobel 2, Half Moon Fort 1. 

Combermere moved into second place in the Central Zone of the 2014 Coca Cola Barbados Secondary Schools’ Football League when they trounced Ellerslie 3-0 at St. Stephen’s, Black Rock, St. Michael yesterday.

Scoring for the winners were  Zidane Clarke in the 11th minute, Dicarlo Cox in the 40th  and Ramon Toppin with the last kick of the match in the 50th minute.

The win puts the Waterford boys on seven points, two behind defending champions Pine Hill St. Leonard’s who remain unbeaten on nine points from three wins. Yesterday they blanked Lester Vaughan 3-0 at Vaucluse.

In the other Central Zone game St. George Secondary drew 1-1 with Harrison College at Content. Nicholas Ellis scored for the home team while Reshawn Thomas replied for the College.

In the South Zone Tang Parkinson became the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals when they edged Princess Margaret 2-1 at Six Roads. Coby Mayers continued his record of scoring in every game when he fortuitously opened the scoring for the Pine boys in the 35th minute. Ten minutes later Taquon Smith added another before Racarda Brathwaite pulled one back two minutes from time for the losers but by then it was too little too late.

In another South Zone match Christ Church Foundation and Graydon Sealy battled to a 0-0 draw at Bay Primary.

In the North Zone Alexandra defeated Alleyne 1-0 at Belleplaine with a Jaylan Gilkes strike while  Frederick Smith and Coleridge and Parry played to a 0-0 draw at Ashton.

St Cyprian’s Joshua Johnson is having a great football tournament and today added goal number ten to his burgeoning tally.

Playing in the BICO-sponsored National Sports Council’s Primary Schools Football Competition at the Blenheim, St Michael pasture, St Cyprian’s Boys won 4-0 in a thrilling contest against a plucky but outmatched St Paul’s Primary.

There was absolutely no surprise when St Cyprian’s opened the scoring. Right wing Nathaniel Rudder sent a precise pass to an advancing left wing Aidan Cumberbatch who struck the ball over the head of St Paul’s goalkeeper Shamario Kirton to score.

The duo of Cumberbatch and Rudder continued to put pressure on St Paul’s. The time the tables were turned and Cumberbatch would assist Rudder in the 18-yard box and Rudder shot the ball past Kirton for another goal.

With just a few minutes before the end of the half, the lad with the golden boots, Johnson, sent a cross to midfielder Zachary Bellamy who chipped the ball over the keeper’s head to make it 3-0 for St Cyprian’s.

The second half resumed and the boys in green and white were in command. St Paul’s had no answer and were clearly under pressure where on several occasions they gave away unnecessary free kicks in dangerous positions.

A few minutes before the second half concluded St Paul’s would handled the ball in the area and Johnson made no mistake from the penalty spot.

The game between St Giles Primary and George Lamming Primary was a game played for bragging rights between two cousins, Chrislon Green the captain of the victorious George Lamming which won 2-0, and Dean Greaves who captained St Giles Primary.

During the first half neither team managed to score but George Lamming came out in the second period with added purpose and more aggression in attack.

Left wing Tre Byer hit a high ball which sailed toward the goal bars. St Giles’ goalkeeper Davon Sam got his hands to the ball to make the save but made a huge mistake and pushed the ball into the back of his own bars for the opening goal.

A couple minutes later Green crossed the ball to Ramiro Dates who volleyed home the ball. George Lamming supporters went wild. When the game ended, the two cousins still had time to congratulate each other. It was a pleasing spectacle.

Defending champions Wilkie Cumberbatch Primary continued their excellent tournament so far with 3-0 result against Belmont Primary.

Opening the scoring for Wilkie Cumberbatch was midfielder Omari Layne who received a pass at his boot tips from Tajio James and blasted the ball to the right of the goalkeeper in the first half.

At the start of the second half left wing Damari Stoute produced a brilliant goal when he dribbled the ball from the half-way line up the left flank of the field and shot the ball into the goal bars giving Belmont goalkeeper Florish Holder no chance.

Midfielder Damiko Hinds of Wilkie Cumberbatch finished off the game with a superb goal when he found an opening from the half-way line and took a shot at goal with his left foot which he said was his weaker foot. It was a brilliant strike.

At Hilda Skeene, the home side made best use of familiar surroundings with a 3-0 win over St Lukes Brighton. Tyreque Nurse, Renikko Lyte-Griffith and Tyrese Crawford scored for the St Philip school. Also at Hilda Skeene, Bayley’s Primary and Society Primary played to a 0-0 draw.

At Chapel, Reynold Weekes benefited from an own-goal as well as a strike from Renald Brathwaite to defeat Blackman & Gollop 2-1. Shakio Clarke scored for Blackman & Gollop. Also at Chapel, Jamario Moore’s goal was enough to gain Gordon Walters Primary the win over St Philip’s Primary.

Playing at Rices, St. Martin’s Mangrove defeated St Mark’s 2-1 thanks to a double strike from the promising Tristan Knight. Jaheim Taylor netted for St Mark’s.

At the Barbados Lumber Company Ground, Al Falah showed the benefit of perseverance when they got into winners’ row with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Grazettes Primary. Afzal Jada scored twice for his school while Sherwin Clarke netted for Grazettes.

Please also see pages 44&45 in the 23/05/2014 edition of our digital ePaper at http://epaper.barbadostoday.bb.

Direct TV Paradise dented second placed Gall Hill’s hopes of winning the Digicel-sponsored Barbados Football Association’s Premier League with a 3-1 defeat at the National Stadium last night.

The game began at a rapid pace, and it was into the tenth minute when there was a pile-up in the Gall Hill box and the referee awarded a penalty which was taken by Armando Lashley who booted it past goalkeeper Oscar Welch and into the nets.

Gall Hill made a desperate attempt to score the equalizer. Their mid-field of Rico Baptise, Bryan Bynoe and Troy Speede began to feed the ball to Shaquille Boyce and Jabarry Chandler who were hovering inside Paradise half.

They got the equalizer in the 25th minute when Chandler was fouled and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Chandler blasted his shot past goalkeeper Jason Boxhill to level the score.

Rakim Lashley not only scored for Paradise, he also marshalled the mid-field.

Ten minutes later Paradise regained the lead with a gem of a goal from Armando Lashley. It began with Rakim Lashley and Jomo Harris passing the ball around the mid-field and playing it into the centre onto the feet of Lashley who dribbled two Gall Hill defenders and scored his tenth goal of the season.

After half-time the youthful Paradise team staged a relentless attack on Gall Hill as their strikers surged forward seeking that third goal to shut Gall Hill totally out of the game.

It came in the 93rd minute after a free kick taken by Gall Hill was cleared by Paradise’s defense. Rakim Lashley collected the ball and ran almost unchallenged toward the nets and scored a goal that killed any hope Gall Hill had of winning the championship this year.

In the second game, a 13th minute goal by Glencarlo Cobham gave  Notre Dame a victory over third-placed Mackeson Brittons Hill who were searching for vital points to keep them in the hunt for the title but their neighbours were determined to stop them from doing so.

After Cobham’s goal, Notre Dame’s defensive wall proved extremely difficult for Brittons Hill’s strike force of Zakidyah Samuels, Mustafa Haqq and Darnell Murray to penetrate. Each time they attempted to go forward the Notre Dame back-line led by Renaldo Gilkes thwarted their efforts.

In the opening game, Magnum Tonic Wine were defeated 4-0 by Pinelands. Arantes Lawrence scored a hat-trick with goals in the 5th, 24th and 77th minutes. Dario Wilson scored in the 43rd minute for the winners. 

St John Primary’s dry spell ended today when they recorded their first win in the BICO-sponsored National Sports Council’s Primary Schools Football Competition with a 5-0 drubbing of Hill Top Preparatory at Market Hill, St George.

Playing in partly overcast conditions, St John owed their victory in large measure to captain Jashawn Small who not only scored two goals but marshaled his team well in what was essentially a one-sided affair. St John controlled the game from start to finish and had about eighty percent of the ball possession.

St. John captain Jashawn Small (right) dribbles his way past Hill Top captain Jeshua Jemmott.

St John began their assault when Small sent in a cross from the right of the field to left wing Dimitri Peters who volleyed the ball past Hill Top goalkeeper Luke White. White tried but was unable to get his gloves to the ball.

The duo of Peters and Small continued their attack on Hill Top once more when Peters sent in a throw from the right of the field to Small who took a confident right-footed shot at goal and scored.

Small was a busy man on the field and yet again he capitalized on another goal scoring opportunity when he ran up the right flank, tackled Hill Top’s left wing Tajiri Sutherland just outside the 18-yard box and powerfully booted the ball past White once again to score.

Hill Top Preparatory’s left-wing Tajiri Sutherland (centre) being challenged by two St. John defenders.

Hill Top failed to mark their opponents properly and were always a pass away from being in danger. Their keeper White did not help their cause as he allowed a few simple balls to get past him.

With just under two minutes until the first half concluded, Small was in action once again when his pinpoint pass found striker Triston Peters just outside the box and Peters scored with a simple tap-in past White yet again to end the first half 4-0.

St John had every reason to feel confident going into the second half and they played that way even though Hill Top came out looking more purposeful in the second half. Hill Top captain Jeshua Jemmott, front stopper Imani Williams and left wing Tajiri Sutherland were the main players
who seemed to have some fighting spirit in them and attacked their opponents whenever the ball was in St John’s possession.

However St John’s defense stood up to the challenge and every run made by Hill Top came to naught. But before the game ended St John would score another goal through striker Zedani Hayde. White executed a poor kick from inside the box and Hayde was in very close proximity to head the ball back toward the right of White and into the back of the nets.

Hill Top goalkeeper Luke White had a torrid day and here lets in another goal.

At Speightstown, Gordon Greenidge Primary hammered Half Moon Fort 5-0. Yamar Boyce notched a brace while there were goals for Shaheem Carter, Jahiem Greaves and Cadeem Quintyne. At the same venue goals from Daniel Boyce and Emmerson Graham led Roland Edwards to a 2-1 win over St. Lucy Primary. Teshawn Brathwaite scored for St Lucy Primary.

Jesonte Connell scored for Ignatius Byer and Tyral Greaves scored for Selah Primary as the schools drew 1-1 also at Speightstown,.

At Briar Hall Jacob Bethell’s goal was enough to gain St Angela’s a 1-0 win over Arthur Smith Primary. Asher Jn Pierre continued his good form with two goals as St Gabriel’s defeated Milton Lynch 3-1 at the same location. Alex Dent also scored for the winners while Rashon Marshall scored a consolation goal for Milton Lynch. Also at the Christ Church ground St Christopher’s Jaheim Harris and Chae Bynoe scored to beat St Bartholomew’s Primary 2-1. Kaylon Pilgrim netted for St. Bartholomew’s.

St. Angela’s Jacob Bethell scored the game-winner against Arthur Smith at Briar Hall.

At Trents, Tyrek King did a number on the struggling Eagles Academy who have been conceding numerous goals since the start of the competition. Today they went down 7-0 with King accounting for five goals. Amilion Jordan and Demitri Smith-Thorpe scored the other goals.

Today’s other results were: Providence 6, St George Primary 0; Wills 2, Vauxhall 0; St Stephen’s 5, St James 0; All Saints Primary 3, Boscobel 0; Welches Primary 2, Sharon Primary 1; St Luke’s Brighton 2, Bayley’s Primary 0; Bay Primary 3, Workman’s Primary 0.

At least two zones have had their qualifiers determined when the latest round of the Coca Cola Barbados Secondary Schools Football League continued yesterday.

Pine Hill St Leonard’s defeated Combermere 4-1 in a top of the table clash in the Central Zone at Richmond. The win took the unbeaten defending champions to 13 points while Combermere qualified in second place on ten.

In the South Zone, Tang Parkinson eased past second placed Lodge 3-1.

Tyrese Horton opened the scoring for the Pine boys in the 15th minute while captain Roshon Gittens equalized from a free kick three minutes before half-time to leave the scores locked at 1-1.

However, in the second half Josh Shepherd added another in the 38th minute and Taquon Smith closed the deal with another five minutes from time to keep last year’s losing finalists at the top of the zone.

In another South Zone match Princess Margaret clinched the other automatic qualifying spot with a 2-0 victory over Graydon Sealy at Six Roads while Foundation lost to neighbours Deighton Griffith 3-1 in a surprising result at Kingsland.

It was excitement aplenty at Passage Road, St Michael today, as Westbury Primary blasted Eagle Hall Primary 6-0 when action continued in the BICO-sponsored National Sports Council’s Primary Schools Football Competition.

Two weeks into the tournament and Westbury are at the top of  Zone six with their latest result. They were inspired to victory by the efforts of midfielder Jamali Hutson and striker Shakeem Springer who both scored two goals in a dominant performance.

Hutson opened the scoring thanks to a free kick which came as a result of an infringement when an Eagle Hall defender handled the ball just in front the half-way line. Hutson sought another opportunity at goal when he ran past two defenders and shot from the top of the box and the ball curled into the left corner of the goal bars.

A few minutes later midfielder Xavier Springer ran outside the box to the left of the field where the ball was passed to him. He then proceeded to dribble his way past two Eagle Hall defenders and executed a brilliant strike at goal with the ball sailing into the right corner of the goal bars.

Just before the first half ended, Hutson sent a ball to defender Cody Walcott from the left of the field and Walcott kneed the ball past Eagle Hall keeper Rashee Elcock to end that half 4-0. The second half resumed and it was Westbury’s main man Hutson who would set up their fifth goal when he passed the ball to Shakeem Springer inside the box and Springer’s left-boot strike flashed past the right of Elcock into the nets.

Eagle Hall had no answer for Hutson who once again was in action cooking up another goal-scoring opportunity when he sent in a corner from the left of the field to Springer who blasted the ball into the back of the nets.

St Mary’s Primary defeated Al Falah School 3-0 in a game also played at Passage Road.

Left-back Jerome Ruck opened the scoring when he ran on to the ball directly in front the goal bars and scored to end the first half 1-0 against  Al Falah which have struggled in the tournament but recently scored a morale-boosting win.

In the second-half St Mary’s were on the attack once again and Ruck crossed a ball from the corner to striker Jahshawn Goodman who headed in the ball past Al Falah goalkeeper Abdullah Memi.

The third goal came through midfielder Aaron Agard who kicked the ball from outside the 18-yard box which hit the top post and went to Goodman to the right of goal. He then passed the ball to St Mary’s captain and left wing Ronaldinho Wharton who took a shot at goal and scored.

Wesley Hall Primary who have played unbeaten so far in the competition had to settle for a 0-0 draw against Eden Lodge on home turf at Passage Road.

At Rices, Jaden Aimey netted a brace and Tristan Knight and Nathan Thomas also scored as St Martin’s Mangrove disposed of Blackman & Gollop 4-0.

The promising Jamario Moore’s goal separated Gordon Walters and St Luke’s Brighton in another match also played at Rices, St Philip.

At Chapel, Renikko Griffith’s excellent tournament continued when his two goals led his Hilda Skeene team to a workmanlike 3-0 win over St Mark’s Primary. Tyreque Nurse was the other goal scorer. Also at Chapel, the Nurses were in charge of proceedings with Jacobe and Zavion Nurse scoring to give St Philip’s Primary a 2-0 victory over Society.

Bayley’s Primary might be a powerhouse at cricket but their struggles with football continued today when they were beaten yet again, this time 5-0 by Reynold Weekes Primary. The prolific Renald Brathwaite scored a hat-trick and Joshua McConney and Ronaldo Nurse added the other goals in a domineering display.

At the Barbados Lumber Company ground, Demario Nurse-Sealy’s strike was the only goal of the game as Deacons Primary defeated Grazettes.

There was a lot excitement at Blenheim playing field, St Michael where defending champions Wilkie Cumberbatch maintained their unbeaten run in the competition with a 2-0 result over Luther Thorne. Xavier Yarde and Jahlani Trotman were the goalscorers.

Charles F. Broome were also in winners’ row with a 3-0 beating of St Paul’s. The victors got their goals compliments of Wayne Jones, Damon Layne and Ajai Small.

In other matches played at Blenheim today Belmont Primary beat St Giles 3-0 while St Cyprian’s and George Lamming drew 0-0.

Please also see pages 38&39 in our 27/05/2014 edition in our digital ePaper  - http://epaper.barbadostoday.bb.

It is early days still in the BICO-sponsored National Sports Council’s Primary Schools Football Competition.

But already there is some shape to the proceedings with a number of teams, such as Wilkie Cumberbatch and Wesley Hall, so far unbeaten, and others like Bayley’s and Al Falah finding the going rather tough after two weeks of action. But in every match all the schools are putting in 100 per cent effort.

This was the case at Passage Road, St Michael, today as the footballers of Westbury, Wesley Hall, Al Falah, Eagle Hall, St Mary’s and Eden Lodge gave their all in their schools’ cause.

Barbados TODAY was there to capture their efforts.

St. Mary’s striker Jahshawn Goodman (centre) and Al Falah defender Ibrahim Adam (right) battling for ball possession.

It’s a stretch for the ball between Westbury’s T’shawn Weekes and Eagle Hall’s Tre Murray.

St Mary’s captain and goal-scorer Ronaldinho Wharton showing off his ball control skills.

Parents have been supporting their children and their schools and these fathers were elated when St. Mary’s scored against Al Falah in their 3-0 win.

Sharon Primary held on for a hard-fought 1-0 victory over St Alban’s Primary in the BICO-sponsored National Sports Council’s Primary Schools Football Competition at Bagatelle, St Thomas today. 

Sharon’s striker Anthony Miller looks to control the ball as St Alban’s Azari Williams challenges and goal-scorer Jaden Harrison (left) follows the play.

The teams appeared to be equally matched and played competitively throughout, especially in the first-half when they virtually shared 50-50 ball possession and made attacking forays into each other’s half. But at the break the score was 0-0.

When the second-half resumed on referee Richard Forde’s whistle, Sharon Primary striker Jaden Harrison was on to the ball in a flash as he dribbled his way past two St Alban’s defenders and booted the ball to the right of St Alban’s goalkeeper Rojae Griffith and into the nets. St Alban’s put up a strong challenge after that goal was scored and tried to create a few opportunities but Sharon’s defense remained steadfast which allowed them to leave the ground with the positive result.

In other results, at Speightstown:

Ignatius Byer 3, Boscobel 0; All Saints 5, Half Moon Fort 1; Gordon Greenidge 1, Roland Edwards 1. At Ellerton: Ellerton Primary 1, St Judes 1; St John Primary 3, St George Primary 0. At Briar Hall: St Winifred’s 3, Vauxhall 0; St Gabriel’s 5, St Angela’s 1; Wills Primary 3, St Christopher 0; Arthur Smith 2, St Bartholomew’s 2. At Market Hall: Bay Primary 5, Hilltop Preparatory 1; Cuthbert Moore 4, Workman’s 0. At Trents: West Terrace 2, St James 0; St Stephen’s 3, Welches 0. At Greens: Providence 2, Mount Tabor 0. At Chapel: St Philip Primary 7 (Nathan McCollin and Zavion Nurse 3 goals each), Bayley’s 0. At Blenheim: St Ambrose 2, Belmont 1. Selah 2, St Lucy 1.

Wilkie Cumberbatch proved too much for their rivals People’s Cathedral who they thrashed 4-0 at the Blenheim, St Michael playing field as the BICO-sponsored National Sports Council’s Primary Schools Football Competition continued today.  

Wilkie Cumberbatch’s goal scorer Isheim Brewster goes down to clear the ball from Jaden Walcott of People’s Cathedral.

The defending champions started off with an early goal in the fifth minute of play when left-wing Stantony Gilkes crossed the ball to Jahfari Trotman who was in the right position to tap the ball to the right of People’s Cathedral goalkeeper Abaraham Guzman.

Just before the first half ended Wilkie Cumberbatch duo of Trotman and Gilkes set up another goal-scoring opportunity. This time the roles were turned and Trotman passed to Gilkes who headed the ball to the right of Guzman to end the first half 2-0.

The second half resumed and Wilkie Cumberbatch striker Nyerere Maughan sent a through ball to midfielder Zaheer Layne who chipped the ball over the goalkeeper’s head. At this stage, Wilkie Cumberbatch knew they had the victory sealed. However, they finished off in fine style when Trotman once again set up midfielder Isheim Brewster with a volley outside the 18-yard box and Brewster produced a sensational right-footed strike into the back of the nets. Guzman had no chance whatsoever of stopping the goal.

Also in the winners’ circle at Blenheim was St Cyprian’s Boys who won 2-0 over Belmont Primary who continued to struggle in this year’s competition. St Cyprian’s did what they do best and opened the scoring through one of the youngest players in the tournament, Marcus Whittington who placed the ball beautifully with his right foot past the keeper.

In the second half, Joshua Johnson’s throw-in found midfielder Zachary Bellamy who dribbled past a Belmont defender and scored.

Luther Thorne Primary also defeated St Giles Primary 1-0 at Blenheim. Both sides failed to score by the end of the first half. But Luther Thorne were able to break the deadlock after the resumption when right wing Dennison Puckerin sent a cross from the left of the field to midfielder Josiah Lovell who headed the ball past St Giles goalkeeper Davon Sam and the St Giles’ defenders inside the box.

Luther Thorne’s dynamic Shem Williams on the ball.

At Passage Road, Westbury Primary continued their dominance when they won 2-0 over St Mary’s Primary thanks to their striker Zuhri Morris who scored both goals. Morris produced his first goal in the first half when he received an assist from Jamar Glasgow from the left of the field and headed the ball past St Mary’s goalkeeper Jaquan Seale.

Westbury goal-scorer Zuhri Morris pushing the ball forward in search of another strike.

In the second half, Westbury trio of striker Jamali Hutson, Morris and Javone Skeete worked hard to score another goal which they eventually did. Skeete found an opening and sent in a cross to Morris who was located on the left side of the field. Morris controlled the ball well on his chest, then on to his boots and kicked the ball with his right foot past Seale to score a well deserved goal.

At the Hilda Skeene, St Philip playing field there were goals in abundance as Reynold Weekes Primary thrashed Society Primary 6-0 and Gordon Walters hammered
St Mark’s 7-1.

For Reynold Weekes, the prolific Renald Brathwaite scored a hat-trick and Joshua McConney did likewise. Gordon Walters’ Jamario Moore also notched a hat-trick in his school’s victory which also saw goals from Tyrese Cox, Tyrese Yarde, Rickeel Jackman and Joshua Pryce. An own-goal saved St Mark’s a blank sheet.

While there was a deluge at Hilda Skeene, a drought was the order of the day at Chapel as Blackman & Gollop drew 0-0 with Hilda Skeene and there was a similar result between St Luke’s Brighton and St Philip Primary.

At the Barbados Lumber Company playing field, Keshawn Smith scored to give Deacons Primary a 1-0 win over Al Falah. In a second match, Eden Lodge beat Grazettes Primary 5-0.

St Stephen’s Primary emerged victorious 3-0 over Sharon Primary as the exciting action in the BICO-sponsored National Sport Council’s Primary Schools Competition continued at Bagatelle, St Thomas today. 

St Stephen’s victory has allowed them to keep just one step ahead of West Terrace who are in second position in zone two, the Sylvester Blackman zone. All three goals were scored in the first half to give St Stephen’s a solid start and a comfortable cushion at the half-time whistle.

Midfielder Victor Obiora opened the scoring when the ball was kicked out by Sharon’s goalkeeper Wesley Torres Martinez and Obiora rushed on to the ball and placed it neatly past him. Following that goal, St Stephen’s front stopper Miguel Inniss added goal number two when he received a pass from striker Chewe Griffith and right-booted the ball into the bottom corner of the goal bars.

St Stephen’s goal scorer Victor Obiora is sandwiched between two Sharon Primary defenders.

Welches’ goalkeeper Jalen Phillips holds on to a good save before West Terrace’s players got to the ball.

Welches’ striker Stefan Birch (right) trying to protect the ball from the West Terrace defender.

Griffith was also involved in setting up goal number three when he sent a pass to Obiora who volleyed the ball a few feet away from outside the 18-yard box past Martinez. That scoreline would remain at the final whistle.

West Terrace Primary, which have won six games so far and drawn one, defeated Welches Primary 2-0 in a game also played at Bagatelle today. With just under five minutes into the first half, West Terrace were on the score card when the ball was handled just outside the box and midfielder Kadeem Grandison scored a lovely goal.

Going into the second half, West Terrace striker Akari Sydney sent an accurate pass to teammate Kwesi Brathwaite who placed it to the right of the Welches goalkeeper Jalen Phillips to produce another goal.

West Terrace and St Stephen’s will face off next week Tuesday at Bagatelle for what will be a top of the table clash between.

Other scores today: Milton Lynch 2, St. Angela’s 1; St. Winifred’s 1, St. Christopher 0; St. Jude’s 3, Workman’s 0; Cuthbert Moore 7, Hilltop 0; Providence 2, Ellerton 0; St. Alban’s 3, Eagles Academy 0; Wills Primary 2, Arthur Smith 1; St. Gabriel’s 3, St. Bartholomew’s 0; Bay Primary 3, St. George 0; Vauxhall 0, St. Lawrence 0.

The last time the World Cup was played in Brazil in 1950 the hosts were denied what many thought would have been a routine victory by Uruguay’s Juan Alberto Schiaffino and Alcides Ghiggia who scored in a 2-1 upset triumph.

This time around Brazilians will be hoping that coach Luiz Felipe Scolari can repeat his 2002 gift to the football-crazed nation. He has several terrific players from which to draw and nothing but a sixth title will satisfy the home fans. Such is the strength of the team that the likes of Kaka and Robinho could not break into the final 23 players named.

Scolari also has the required major tournament know-how, the players are talented and well-drilled, a passionate home crowd will surely inspire the team again, as they did at the Confederations Cup in the summer, and even the iconic yellow jerseys can intimidate the opposition.

There aren’t many weaknesses in the squad, but the paucity of centre-forward options is a potential concern. First-choice Fred was injured earlier in the season and Diego Costa opted to represent Spain, so former Manchester City and Everton striker Jo could play a part.

Neymar is pivotal to Brazil. Full of energy and deft touches, and able to dribble at incredible speed, he is the player most capable of changing a game for Scolari’s side. The 22-year-old World Cup poster boy – who joined Barcelona last summer for £48.6m – appears unfazed by the public expectation, scoring 13 times in his last 16 caps.

One player to look out for is 21-year-old Bernard who Scolari says “has joy in his legs”. Direct, quick, and a bundle of energy, the 5ft 5in winger made his full debut for Brazil in September and scored his first goal against Honduras in November. Once considered too small for professional football, Shakhtar Donetsk paid £21.5m for him last summer.

Reappointed in November 2012, World Cup-winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has recovered from a poor start to his second spell in charge to shape Brazil into
a side he is “100 percent sure… will be the champion” this summer.

The 65-year-old led Portugal to the Euro 2004 final, 2006 World Cup semi-finals and last eight at Euro 2008 between his spells as Brazil boss.

Brazil are the only nation to have played at every World Cup, winning the competition a record five times, the last being in 2002. They are currently ranked fourth in the world.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Toronto FC, on loan from QPR), Jefferson (Botafogo), Victor (Atletico Mineiro).

Defenders: Marcelo (Real Madrid), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Maicon (AS Roma), Maxwell, Thiago Silva (both Paris St-Germain), David Luiz (Chelsea), Dante (Bayern Munich), Henrique (Napoli).

Midfielders: Paulinho (Tottenham Hotspur), Ramires, Willian, Oscar (all Chelsea), Hernanes (Inter Milan), Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg), Fernandinho (Manchester City).

Forwards: Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk), Neymar (Barcelona), Fred (Fluminense), Jo (Atletico Mineiro), Hulk (Zenit St Petersburg).

St Giles Primary ended their campaign in this year’s BICO-sponsored National Sports Council’s Primary School Football Competition on a high when they defeated People’s Cathedral 3-2 in an exciting encounter at Blenheim, St Michael today.

People’s Cathedral had a solid start in the first half when they scored two early goals. Left wing Jaden Pearce opened the scoring for his team with an easy goal struck low to the right of the St Giles goalkeeper Davon Sam who had no chance. Pearce scored his second goal when midfielder Sylvian Wade passed the ball to him inside the box and he easily shot past the keeper.

St Giles managed to squeeze in a goal before the first-half ended when midfielder Akeem Chandler kicked the ball from the half way line straight to People’s Cathedral goalkeeper Julian Hope. He punched the ball into the air and St Giles captain Dean Greaves who played left wing controlled the ball, and right-booted it into the back of the nets to end an intense first-half at 2-1.

In the second half St Giles took the fight to People’s Cathedral who failed to capitalize on a number of free kicks in dangerous positions. St Giles’ striker Cammarri Dunner equalized for his team in the second half when Antwan Lovell sent in a cross to him inside the box and he kicked the ball into the goal bars it deflected past the goalkeeper and into the back of the nets.

Both sides were desperate for that all important goal to take the lead, especially with just ten minutes of play remaining. People’s Cathedral almost took the lead when they were awarded a free kick outside the 18 yard box. But Wade who stepped up to take the free-kick struck the ball out of play. St Giles settled themselves and took the lead in the final five minutes of play when Javon ‘Scrappy’ Inniss send in a throw from the left of the field to left wing Kalif Grannum who controlled the ball well, turned and sent in a left-footed cross to Greaves positioned inside the 18 yard box and he scored.

George Lamming Primary won 2-0 over a struggling Belmont Primary also at Blenheim today. The two teams were locked at 0-0 at the half-time break. However, George Lamming captain Chrislon Green created a few goal scoring opportunities for his team. On one such occasion he was brought down just inside the semi-circle and took the free kick himself, scoring a superb goal that sailed over the goalkeeper’s head.

Then from the right of the field the ball was headed down inside the box, Green took control of it with his right foot and scored.

St Paul’s Primary came close to adding a victory to their name at Blenheim when they took on St Ambrose but still managed to lose 2-1 despite playing well. St Ambrose’s striker Brandon Williams fed fellow striker Cimani Cummins a good pass and the latter volleyed home from outside the 18 yard box to give his team the lead in the first half.

Tafari Coward scored the second goal for St Ambrose when he kicked a long range bomb from his half and the ball bounced once and went over St Paul’s goalkeeper Roskwon Trotman’s head and into the bars.

St Ambrose’s goal scorer Tafari Coward jumped in the arms of his teacher in celebration after scoring. (Pictures by Marissa Lindsay)

In the second half  St Paul’s scored when striker Elijah Greenidge was brought down in the box and Rhemar Simmons stepped up and scored the penalty.

Luther Thorne Primary fought manfully to hold the mighty St Cyprian’s who have played unbeaten so far in the competition to a 0-0 draw. Defending champions Wilkie Cumberbatch earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Charles F. Broome, also played at Blenheim.

Other scores today: Deacons Primary 2, St Mary’s 0; St. Martin’s Mangrove 3, Society 0; St Luke’s Brighton 2, St Mark’s 0; Wesley Hall 3, Eagle Hall 0; St Philip 0, Reynold Weekes 0; Cuthbert Moore 4, Ellerton 1; Bay Primary 1, Providence 0; Hilda Skeene 3, Bayley’s Primary 0.

 

Nathaniel Rudder of St Cyprian’s Boys’ (green and white) and Dennison Puckerin of Luther Thorne battling for ball possession.

Belmont Primary midfielder Ricardo Richards side- footing the ball away from two George Lamming defenders.

St Gabriel’s have booked their place in the next round of 16 in the BICO-sponsored National Primary Schools Football Competition after defeating Wills Primary 2-1 at Briar Hall, Christ Church today.

The former four-time champions of the competition have played unbeaten so far.

Wills Primary opened the scoring in the first-half when Sebastian Thompson sent in a corner kick into the box and striker Abiola Grant headed in the ball but was denied by Wills’ goalkeeper Mario Lavoui. However, striker James Adam was there for the rebound and scored with a ferocious shot at goal to give his team the lead.

The score was levelled in the first half when St Gabriel’s midfielder Kyle Lewis sent in a throw from the left to midfielder Alex Dent who volleyed the ball sweetly into the back of the nets.

St Gabriel’s would take the lead going into the second half when Kyle Lewis received an accurate pass from Ryan Lashley and slammed a left-footed shot into the goal bars.

The second half saw both sides searching to take the initiative. Wills had their main striker Abiola Grant working the ball up the field seeking that all important goal but St Gabriel’s strategy was to ensure  they marked Grant’s every move and thwart her threat. They succeeded in doing this and earned a well deserved victory.

Milton Lynch Primary thrashed their rivals St Bartholomew’s Primary 3-1 in a match also played at Briar Hall today. Milton Lynch opened the scoring through midfielder Shakobe Brathwaite who curled a shot beautifully from just outside the 18-yard box past St Bartholomew’s goalkeeper Rickobi Lewis.

Milton Lynch striker Zakwon Jones looks to cross the ball while St Bartholomew’s Kaylon Pilgrim charges from behind.

St Bartholomew’s would level the score in the first half when striker, Tyreeke Rice assisted left wing Kaylon Pilgrim with a pass from the right of the field and Pilgrim scored on the 18 yard line.

The second half resumed and Milton Lynch took the lead when left wing Damien Matthias delivered an accurate pass to defender Rashon Marshall from the left and he shot the ball into the goal bars past Lewis.

The boys in green and white would stamp their authority when Brathwaite once again found striker Zakwon Jones who ran through the middle of the field and volleyed the ball straight into the bars to produce what was a gem of a goal.

St Angela’s continued to perform well in the competition and today they defeated St Lawrence Primary 3-0. The lads in red and white opened the scoring in the first half through midfielder Seth Edwards who ran on to the ball and delivered a direct shot into the left corner of the goal bars to take a 1-0 lead going into the second half.

St Angela’s striker Aren Spencer (left) goes after the ball with aggressive intent.

Jalen Johnson who has played well throughout the tournament for St Angela’s was fouled outside the box which was rewarded as a penalty. Johnson then stepped up to take the spot kick and scored.

Johnson was in action once again when he ran up the left flank and made a pass to Edwards who found right wing Che Millington who tapped the ball past the keeper to score in the dying stages of the game.

St Winifred’s and Arthur Smith Primary played to a 2-2 draw in what was a thrilling encounter.

St Winifred’s defender Thierry Forde slides to clear the ball away from Arthur Smith’s goal scorer Chad Nicholas.

St Winifred’s began their quest when midfielder Axel Funk sent in a cross from the left to striker Daniel Gibbs who scored by neatly placing the ball to the left of the keeper.

Arthur Smith pulled things back when Jaheim Wilson coming in from the right sent in a cross and unfortunately for St Winifred’s one of their players helped the ball into the goal-bars to level the score going into half-time.

When the second half resumed the ball was handled inside the box by Arthur Smith. Funk stepped up to take the penalty for St Winifred’s and made no mistake with his strike.

Striker Chad Nicholas however saved the day for Arthur Smith when he collected a clever pass from midfielder Jonathan Johnson and scored.

St Christopher Primary had every reason to smile when they held on to a 1-0 win over Vauxhall Primary who had a difficult tournament. That goal came about when striker Jelano Jones was brought down inside the box in the first half of play and midfielder Chae Bynoe converted the penalty.

Other results today: Luther Thorne 5, St Ambrose 0; Bay Primary 0, Mount Tabor 0; Providence 1, St John 0; St. Judes 4, Hilltop Preparatory 0; Cuthbert Moore 7, St George 0. (ML)

Joyce Stewart has seemingly been given the green light to take up the post of general secretary of the Barbados Football Association (BFA). A reliable source told Barbados TODAY that even though the BFA has not made an official announcement about Stewart’s appointment, the Canadian has again been selected for the post of general secretary and is likely to take up her new post very soon. 

Her appointment came as a result of the resignation of former BFA general secretary Chris Graham last year. Stewart has been a constant figure at the BFA’s Fontabelle, St Michael office over the past weeks. Stewart, along with BFA president Randy Harris and former BFA president George LasCaris, is scheduled to leave Barbados tomorrow under the auspices of the BFA for Brazil where the 2014 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to start on June 12. 

According to their travel documents, the three will be staying at the Sheraton in Sao Paulo. When Barbados TODAY contacted Stewart she made it clear that she would not be able to say whether she was successful in filling the vacancy or not but assured that her paperwork with the Barbados Immigration Department was in order and therefore
had been given permission to live and work on the island.

“I am not the spokesperson for the Barbados Football Association and therefore would not be able to comment or say whether I did or did not get the post of general secretary. That has to be confirmed by the BFA board and president Randy Harris. However, what I can say is that my paperwork is in order and I am allowed to live and work in Barbados which is obvious or else I would not be living here,” Stewart said.

She added: “Yes I would be leaving the island tomorrow for Brazil with the BFA president and it is not a secret or anything that needs to be hidden.”

When contacted about this latest development, Harris declined to comment on Stewart’s immigration status, stating only that he would be dealing with it at a later date.

Last year, Stewart and the BFA were involved in controversy when the Immigration Department notified the football governing body in the island by letter that Stewart could not work without the necessary permit, not even in a voluntary capacity. The Government agency told the BFA that it would have to go through the process of advertising for the post locally.

The BFA was notified that if no suitable individual was found then it could submit all documentation related to that recruitment process and apply for a permit for Stewart.

Westbury Primary marched into the quarter-finals of the BICO-sponsored National Sports Council’s Primary Schools Football Competition after defeating Hilda Skeene 3-2 on penalty kicks at the National Stadium today.

Playing in the featured game both teams appeared to be evenly matched and that was clearly seen in the first half where the action between both sides went back and forth with equal intensity as they tried desperately to create goal scoring opportunities.

Those opportunities never materialised and the first half ended in a 0-0 scoreline. In the second half both teams came out in search of that all important goal with Westbury striker Zuhri Morris and midfielders Jahmali Hutson and Zavier Springer giving it their all to create that vital opening.

The game went into five minutes of overtime during which both teams attacked for that deciding goal while maintaining very tight defence. Eventually the final whistle came with the scoresheet still reading 0-0.

It was a matter of do or die for both teams at this stage and Westbury captain and goalkeeper Raequan Jones made two brilliant saves that gave his team the advantage. Zuhri Morris had the honour of scoring the winning penalty when he stepped up to the line and blasted the ball past Hilda Skeene goalkeeper Tyreque Nurse to end what was an enthralling contest.

Jahmali Hutson and Jakeem Germaine were the other two scorers from the spot for Westbury while for Hilda Skeene, Renieko Lyte-Griffith and Tyreque Nurse who took off his gloves to shoot his penalty accounted for the two penalties scored.

In the first game Grantley Prescod Primary played superbly to defeat Milton Lynch Primary 2-0. The boys in blue really showed up on the day especially their last man, Lamario Springer who opened the scoring for his team when he received a short corner from Kamaal Bryan and curled a powerful shot into the far right corner of the bars. This gave Grantley Prescod the edge going into the second half of play and they increased their lead when Springer, through a free kick from behind the half-way line, found striker Ranaldo Roberts whose left-footed effort outside the 18-yard box went low past Milton Lynch goalkeeper Jakeem Forde into the back of the nets.

Westbury Primary’s goal scorer Zuhri Morris lets fly a powerful right-footed strike.

Hilda Skeene goalkeeper Jair McAlmont looks to prevent the ball going into the bars.

Westbury Primary’s goalkeeper and captain Raequan Jones makes this brilliant penalty save.

Bay Primary marched into the last 16 of the BICO-sponsored National Sports Council’s Primary Schools Football Competition with a dominant 3-0 victory over All Saints Primary at the National Stadium today. 

Bay Primary’s Davian Roachford (centre) looks to control the ball.

All Saints had no answer to Bay Primary’s relentless attack that basically started from the opening whistle. All Saints made matters worse for themselves in the first half when their midfielder Shan Babb scored an own goal when he tried to clear the ball from the left of the field and instead saw his attempt sail into the back of his own goal bars. 

Bay Primary striker Akil Bynoe would make it 2-0 when he received a cross from right-wing Kadeem Small who controlled the ball beautifully with his left boot and struck it past All Saints’ goalkeeper Je’hayden Boyce who had no chance of stopping the ball.

In the second half of play, Bay Primary continued their method of play which was getting through their opponents’ defence by passing the ball wide up-field and taking shots at goal at every opportunity. This play would result in another goal for Bay Primary when right-wing Kymani Clarke sent in a throw from the right to Anthony Alleyne who stopped, controlled and shot a cannon from outside the 18-yard box which had Boyce so stunned that he did not even attempt to stop the ball from scoring.

In the other match played between Wesley Hall and St Stephen’s Primary, the King Street, St Michael school emerged 1-0 winners. Despite their best efforts the half-time score was 0-0. Wesley Hall’s captain Kemar John and St Stephen’s striker Chewe Griffith played outstandingly in their efforts to give their respective school the advantage.

Wesley Hall, however, managed to score thanks to a free kick scored from outside the penalty area by John who placed the ball neatly into the back of the nets with a right-footed strike. The boys in maroon played well enough to hold on to their 1-0 lead in the second half and booked their place through to the next round.

St Stephen’s midfielder Ranaco Edwards makes a timely clearance.

Wesley Hall captain Kemar John slides to make this interception.

George Lamming Primary and Wesley Hall are through to the semi-finals of the BICO-sponsored National Sports Council’s Primary Schools Football Competition.

Playing at the National Stadium today Wesley Hall Juniors defeated Bay Primary 2-1 with captain Kemar John playing exceptionally well to lead his team to victory.

George Lamming’s Daniel Trim looks to clear the ball while being challenged by St Martin’s Mangrove’s Dashawn Chelon.

Wesley Hall’s Kemar John on the ball.

The first-half was evenly contested and ended 0-0. However in the second half midfielder Janesh Jaunai sent a through ball from the left of the field to John who scored a spectacular goal when his right-footed effort flashed past Bay Primary goalkeeper Joshua Greaves.

Jaunai and John teamed up once again when Jaunai sent another through ball which went between the goalkeeper’s leg and John was inside the penalty area to tap the ball into the back of the nets.

With the two-goal advantage in the second-half Wesley Hall Juniors looked well on their way for a well deserved victory but Bay Primary then made a last-ditch effort to get back into the game.

Bay Primary striker Marlon Downie headed the ball outside the box and striker Amir Gustave ran on to it, took on Wesley Hall goalkeeper Kylan Browne and scored a well placed goal. But that was as far as they would get with their efforts before the final whistle blew.

Bay Primary defender, Davious Roachford dribbles his way past Wesley Hall Juniors’ Jadan Nurse.

In the second game George Lamming won 3-2 over St Martin’s Mangrove by virtue of a penalty shootout.

George Lamming captain Chrislon Green and teammates Shaquan Haynes and Tyrell Haynes scored for the winners while Da Sean George and Jaden Aimey scored for St Martin’s Mangrove.

RIO DE JANEIRO – Spain’s World Cup defence is over after just two games after they lost 2-0 to Chile at the Maracana in Group B this evening.  

First-half goals from Eduardo Vargas and Charles Aranguiz were enough to give Chile a deserved win, which spells the end of Spain’s defence of the title they won in South Africa in 2010.

Eduardo Vargas about to score Chile’s first goal.

With Holland’s win over Australia earlier in the day, Chile’s three points – which takes them onto six points with the Dutch after two games – means Spain cannot now progress into the knockout stages. They have one last meaningless Group match against Australia who are also about to pack their bags for home.

A tactical masterpiece from Chile’s Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli laid the foundation for the South Americans to humble their more-glamorous European opponents. It is not the first time the reigning world champions have failed to make the knockout rounds – Italy suffered that indignity in 2010 and so did France in 2002 – but never before has it happened after the first two games.

The 5-1 hiding handed out by Holland in the opening match was still reverberating for Spain, and the pattern of that nightmare second-half of last Friday night continued in the same agonising vein.

Vincente del Bosque’s side appeared frozen into inaction, and it did not help that they were playing a Chile side whose spirit was stoked by tens of thousands of fans bouncing off the walls of the Maracana – in some cases literally as thousands without tickets remained outside the stadiums with around 200 bursting through a security cordon prior to kick-off.

From the start, Chile – who have looked hugely impressive in the last couple of years, not least in a 2-0 win over England at Wembley in November – were fired up for this fray. They served notice of their threat when Gonzalo Jara, of Nottingham Forest, headed over from a good position – and held his head afterwards too: he knew it was a gilt-edged chance.

Spain knew they had to win and Claudio Bravo in the Chile goal stood in Xabi Alonso’s way when the Real Madrid midfielder pounced on Andres Iniesta’s deflected pass with only the keeper to beat. He looked certain to score but Bravo stopped it with one hand at close range, and Alonso’s next involvement was to lose the ball in the move which saw Chile go ahead.

Alexis Sanchez snapped up possession and played in Charles Aranguiz who picked out Vargas with a brilliant centre. The Valencia forward kept his head while Spain were losing theirs and neatly sidestepped Iker Casillas before sliding it home. Alonso attempted to make amends but blasted high and wide
from Diego Costa’s layoff, before the naturalized Brazilian striker scuffed a shot into the turf and side-netting as Spain’s frustrations increased.

Two minutes before half-time and Spain’s looming crisis became a fully-fledged disaster.

The agony of defeat.

Casillas, heavily criticised after the Holland debacle and fortunate to keep his place, did himself no favours with a fairly pathetic double-handed fist at Sanchez’s gentle free kick and the ball dropped to Aranguiz who controlled it and then toe-poked back past the sorry keeper to make it 2-0.

Another bad miss from Costa, who was mercilessly taunted by the Chile fans, was followed by Jordi Alba spraying his shot wide as desperation set in for Spain in the second half. Chile then turned rather wasteful, failing to kill off the game completely with Vargas shooting straight at Casillas, Mauricio Isla scooping over at full-stretch and Sanchez dallying too long when in space. Del Bosque sent on Fernando Torres and Santi Cazorla to try a last-ditch rescue attempt and the Arsenal midfielder came close to scoring, denied by a sprawling save low to his right by Bravo with ten minutes left.

Bravo was bravura to the last with more top-class saves, notably from Cazorla’s free kick.

Spain looked like broken men. After the 2010 triumph sandwiched by two European Championship wins – their world has come crashing down. (Sky)