Spain 0 Switzerland 1:Switzerland stunned European champions Spain in the first big upset at the World Cup with a narrow win. Despite the Spaniards dominating possession, the Swiss took a surprise lead in the 52nd minute with Gelson Fernandes firing past goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
Spain’s Xabi Alonso was denied by the crossbar in the 71st minute as his team wasted a hatful of chances to restore parity. Switzerland’s Eren Derdiyok struck the far post in the 75th minute but his hard-working team held on for an historic win in front of 62,000 spectators in Durban.
The Swiss assured themselves of victory with an efficient performance that relied on making the most of their limited chances.
Spain went into the contest considered favourites to win the World Cup in South Africa. Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta passed a late fitness test and started in Spain’s midfield. Iniesta was the driving force behind Spain’s play while David Villa, in the role of lone striker, was a non-factor in the opening half.
The Swiss were forced to play in their own half by a Spain side that controlled the tempo from the start. The Spaniards came closest to scoring, with Swiss goalkeeper Diego Benaglio brilliantly denying Gerard Pique’s close-range effort from Iniesta’s pass midway through the first half.
At the other end, Reto Ziegler’s free-kick forced Casillas to dive to his left to clear.
With 10 minutes to go before half-time, the Swiss suffered a setback with Steve Von Bergen replacing an injured Philippe Senderos. Spain had the opportunity to break the deadlock on the stroke of half-time but Villa’s cross-cum-shot from inside the area went wide.
Vincente Del Bosque’s team picked up where they left off after the re-start and Alonso’s strike took a deflection off a defender and went over the bar. Shortly after, Silva fired wide as another opportunity was not taken advantage of by Spain.
They were made to pay for their missed chances as Switzerland broke the deadlock soon after.
Derdiyok’s pass was cleared by Casillas but the ball fell to Fernandes, whose first shot was stopped by Pique but he made no mistake at firing home from close range at the second attempt.
Spain reacted and on the hour mark, Sergio Ramos’ header from a corner went over the bar. Two minutes later, Spain made a double substitution with Fernando Torres and Jesus Navas entering the pitch.
Spain should have restored parity in the 67th minute. A fast counter-attack by the Spaniards saw Villa serve Torres but his curled effort went over the bar. Shortly after, Benaglio made a great save from Torres’ strike.
Spain were then unlucky not to equalise with Alonso seeing his 25-yard drive hit the woodwork.
Seconds later, Matas surged inside the area and fired straight into Benaglio’s arms. At the other end, Derdiyok got past Pique and Puyol before seeing his close-range effort hit the far post.
The Swiss held on as the Spanish players left the pitch stunned.