The 2010 FIFA World Cup saw it’s first major upset on Wednesday in Durban as Switzerland edged Spain 1–0 thanks to some textbook defending and opportunistic scoring from the underdogs.
The Swiss struck against the run of play in the 52nd minute. Gelson Fernandes scrambled home a loose ball amid bodies flying everywhere after a long boot down the pitch from goalkeeper Diego Benaglio.
“We were a little lucky but you’re always going to need a bit of good fortune if you want to beat Spain,” said Fernandes on FIFA.com
The goal gave the Swiss confidence and they nearly struck a second. Eren Derdiyok hit the post after some fine dribbling in the 74th minute.
As expected, Spain dominated the possession with the most technically talented midfield in the world. But the Swiss set up their defense around the top of the 18-yard box and hunkered down.
The game was reminiscent of Greece’s Euro 2004 triumph. Not pretty stuff, but certainly effective.
But the Swiss are building a reputation for an airtight defense. Recall that in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, they never conceded a goal. They eventually lost to Ukraine in the round of 16 on penalty kicks.
Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas, after the match showed his disappointment, “Nobody expected this result, nor that we would lose the match. But we have to look at the bright side. They have managed to counterattack and stand well at the back. The last straw is that the goal was a bit of star fruit [lucky].”
Swiss coach Ottmar Hitzfeld said, “I’m well aware we made history. We’ve never beaten Spain before and I’ve always said there would be a first time.”
Missing for the Swiss were key attacking players Alexander Frei and Valon Behrami. Starting on the Spanish bench, just as an example of their squad quality, were Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas.
Andres Iniesta got the start in midfield despite concerns about his recovery from injury.
Central defender Gerard Pique had Spain’s best early chance in the 24th minute with a point blank shot but Benaglio came out and closed off his shooting angle.
Spain, as Euro 2008 champions, were heavy favorites to take the trophy on July 11. Their best finish at a World Cup however is a fourth place finish in Brazil 60 years ago. Now they face an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout stages, especially after Chile’s 1–0 victory over Honduras earlier in the day.
“I want to avenge this defeat and I’m up for the challenge, and that’s the way we all need to feel. This is no time for feeling sorry for ourselves and cursing our bad luck,” said Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque.
Spain and Switzerland were the last two teams to play their opening matches. Prior to the match the mighty Spaniards held a dominant record of 15 wins, 3 draws and 0 losses against the Swiss.
The Swiss struck against the run of play in the 52nd minute. Gelson Fernandes scrambled home a loose ball amid bodies flying everywhere after a long boot down the pitch from goalkeeper Diego Benaglio.
“We were a little lucky but you’re always going to need a bit of good fortune if you want to beat Spain,” said Fernandes on FIFA.com
The goal gave the Swiss confidence and they nearly struck a second. Eren Derdiyok hit the post after some fine dribbling in the 74th minute.
As expected, Spain dominated the possession with the most technically talented midfield in the world. But the Swiss set up their defense around the top of the 18-yard box and hunkered down.
The game was reminiscent of Greece’s Euro 2004 triumph. Not pretty stuff, but certainly effective.
But the Swiss are building a reputation for an airtight defense. Recall that in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, they never conceded a goal. They eventually lost to Ukraine in the round of 16 on penalty kicks.
Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas, after the match showed his disappointment, “Nobody expected this result, nor that we would lose the match. But we have to look at the bright side. They have managed to counterattack and stand well at the back. The last straw is that the goal was a bit of star fruit [lucky].”
Swiss coach Ottmar Hitzfeld said, “I’m well aware we made history. We’ve never beaten Spain before and I’ve always said there would be a first time.”
Missing for the Swiss were key attacking players Alexander Frei and Valon Behrami. Starting on the Spanish bench, just as an example of their squad quality, were Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas.
Andres Iniesta got the start in midfield despite concerns about his recovery from injury.
Central defender Gerard Pique had Spain’s best early chance in the 24th minute with a point blank shot but Benaglio came out and closed off his shooting angle.
Spain, as Euro 2008 champions, were heavy favorites to take the trophy on July 11. Their best finish at a World Cup however is a fourth place finish in Brazil 60 years ago. Now they face an uphill battle to qualify for the knockout stages, especially after Chile’s 1–0 victory over Honduras earlier in the day.
“I want to avenge this defeat and I’m up for the challenge, and that’s the way we all need to feel. This is no time for feeling sorry for ourselves and cursing our bad luck,” said Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque.
Spain and Switzerland were the last two teams to play their opening matches. Prior to the match the mighty Spaniards held a dominant record of 15 wins, 3 draws and 0 losses against the Swiss.
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