SWITZERLAND STUN WORLD CUP FAVORITES SPAIN 1-0
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 17 Jun 2010
With its defense as precise and ticking at the right time Switzerland pulled off a stunning upset by beating FIFA 2010 World Cup favorites and European champions Spain whose star-studded line-up that was on a twelve match winning streak were beaten 1-0 for the first time in 19 attempts by the Swiss.
Spain controlled possession much of the game but on the few occasions that Switzerland broke on a counter-attack they looked dangerous.
The mental tiredness that was expected to sap the energy of the Swiss in the second half failed to materialize as they defended stoutly to record their first win in an opening match which they last achieved against Italy in the 1954 World Cup.
Gelson Fernandes's strike against the run of play as the referee allowed advantage instead of a possible penalty, earned Switzerland the 1-nil win in Durban and although Vicente del Bosque's team predictably dominated possession they were ripped on the break seven minutes into the second half. No matter how hard they tried the desperate Spaniards who threw four men up front late in the second half failed to beat the Swiss defenders anchored by goalkeeper Diego Benaglio.
The FIFA match report said stylish Spain had all of the ball in the early stages, painting pretty patterns around the pitch with astounding ease as the Swiss chased and harried. The Swiss hardly got a sniff of the ball in the first quarter-hour but were not unduly troubled either as Spain failed to turn their elegant control and ball play into concrete attempts on goal.
Their first chance of any real substance came after 25 minutes. After coming forward for a free-kick, centre-back Gerard Pique stayed in an advanced position and collected a brilliant through-ball from the lively Iniesta, back from injury in time to make the starting eleven. Turning his man with the acumen of a seasoned striker, the tall defender was only denied at the last by the legs of Diego Benaglio, who came roaring bravely off his line.
The Swiss had their only chance of the first period just seconds later, with Reto Ziegler?s free-kick from 20 yards hardly troubling Iker Casillas, the Real Madrid man diving to his left to keep out the tame strike. The UEFA EURO 2008 winners soon shifted the focus to the other end of the pitch and on the half-hour mark Silva's looping ball from midfield picked out Iniesta racing toward goal. The Barcelona gem was pulled back by Stephane Grichting before Pique slammed his free-kick harmlessly into the Swiss wall.
As the opening stanza ground to a halt, Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld was forced to replace influential centre-back Philippe Senderos, who limped off early in a match in his second consecutive FIFA World Cup.
A similar trend developed in the second half, with Spain dictating the patterns but stuttering in front of goal. Their profligacy was punished in the 52nd minute when a long, hopeful ball hoofed up the field was collected by Eren Derdiyok. The outrushing Iker Casillas saved at his feet but the ball ricocheted to Gelson Fernandes who slid home from close range. It was only the second shot on goal for the Swiss, who celebrated the unlikely lead with a combination of shock and delight.
The Spanish fans were stunned into the silence, but their favourites continued to press in search of that elusive goal. Villa went close on the hour, two minutes before Spain boss Vicente del Bosque added a bit of firepower, bringing Fernando Torres and Jesus Navas off the bench. With supporters back on their feet again, Iniesta's curler beat Benaglio, only to drift the wrong side of the post as the Swiss retreated into a defensive shell.
Liverpool man Torres began to torment the defence with his running and pace, leading directly to a vicious strike from Xabi Alonso in the 71st minute which rattled the crossbar and left it shaking. Shortly after Navas saw a chance from close-in well saved by Benaglio as Spanish pressure began to mount. The Swiss were dangerous on the break, however, and Derdiyok hit the post with a quarter-hour to go after the Spaniards committed too many men forward. Seconds later Spain lost their Iniesta, who limped off after a rough challenge; he may have aggravated the muscle injury that made him a doubt before the game.
In his absence, the Spanish lost their spark and they will need to rebound against Honduras at Ellis Park on 21 June. The Swiss take on Chile, the other Group H winners, earlier that same day in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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