By Kenneth Tan/Red Sports
South Africa, Wednesday, June 16, 2010 — 25 shots on goal as compared to their six shots, 8 on target as compared to their three, a massive 67 percent possession as compared to their measly 33 percent. The numbers certainly do not add up to Switzerland’s shock 1-0 victory against reigning European champions Spain.
All the pre-match talk of the Spaniards being the hot favourites was banished through superb rearguard action and counter attacks by the Swiss, who were led by the experienced former Bayern Munich manager Ottmar Hitzfeld.
Despite dominating for the majority of the first half, the best chance for the Spaniards ironically fell to centre back Gerard Pique whose turn and shot inside the box was saved by the Swiss keeper Diego Benaglio.
Seven minutes into the second half, the unthinkable happened. The Swiss, who were tugged back in their own half for large periods, scored via Route One football.
Benaglio’s huge goal kick created confusion inside the Spanish box with opposite custodian Iker Casillas rushing out to close down forward Eren Derdiyok. The ball ricocheted kindly into the path of Gelson Fernandes who stole in just ahead of Gerard Pique to poke the ball home into the empty net.
The Spaniards huffed and puffed but failed to bring the Swiss house down. Despite throwing on Jesus Navas, Pedro and Fernando Torres, it made no difference to the result. Andres Iniesta, Navas and Torres all failed to get their shots on target while Xabi Alonso went the closest with a thunderous 25-yarder that rocked the woodwork.
Eren Derdiyok could have capped the icing on the Swiss’s cake when he sidestepped two Spanish defenders inside the box but flicked his effort against the post.
Vicente Del Bosque and his men now have to go back to the drawing board to avoid their dream of lifting their first ever World Cup from dying out.
Our pundit Mohd Naufal was left heartbroken at the result. He is a Spain supporter and predicted a 3-0 win for Spain.
Mohd Naufal Nur Hakim (in blue) of Meridian JC. (Photo © Chua Yueda/Red Sports archive)
Naufal Says:
It was a night to forget for David Villa, given the amount of chances that he was presented with. He was always involved in Spain’s attacks, however when it matter most, he was unable to put one past the outstanding Swiss goalkeeper.
Meanwhile Blaise Nkufo was kept quiet throughout the game by the Spanish backline. However that gave other players such as Derdiyok and goal scorer Gelson Fernandes the chance to attack the Spanish defense through counter-attacks, with one of them resulting in a goal.
I believe the turning point of the match was when Switzerland scored the goal. Before the goal, the Swiss were already making life difficult for the Spaniards with their brilliant defending. Scoring a goal against them only made it much difficult for the Spanish team to break down the Swiss defense. They were determined to protect their slender lead and that resulted in them creating the first major upset of the tournament.
Man of the Match: Stephan Lichtsteiner
He was brilliant at the back for Switzerland. He managed to subdue the dangerous Iniesta for much of the game by dominating most of the one-on-one situations with him.
Flop of the Match: Jesus Navas
He was brought on to provide the spark and supply the ammunition on the right flank for Spain but his crosses were terrible and off the mark for the majority of the time. His poor delivery from a corner pretty much summed up his night.
More News and Reactions
Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque unhappy at Swiss tactics
Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld hails ‘historic’ win
Biggest shock of the finals so far
Video highlights of the game
| GROUP H | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SPAIN  | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 6 |
CHILE  | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 6 |
SWITZERLAND  | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
HONDURAS  | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 1 |
For the World Cup fixtures list with Singapore broadcast timings as well as group tables and the list of CCs with free screenings, go to: http://redsports.sg/2010-world-cup-fixtures-groups/
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