FCBARCELONA.CAT

16.06.2010 18:06

Shock defeat for Spain (0-1)

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Seven Barca players – six of them in the starting line-up – shared the disappointment of Spain’s shock 0-1 defeat against Switzerland on Wednesday afternoon.

Against all forecasts, tournament favourites Spain lost their opening game to Switzerland. Piqué, Puyol, Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets and Villa all featured in the starting line-up while Pedro came on for the last quarter of an hour. For Sergio Busquets, Pedro and Gerard Piqué it was their first taste of a World Cup. Piqué had the first decent chance of the match in the 23rd minute but Swiss keeper Benaglio pulled off a good save.

Fruitless possession

The first half was completely dominated by Spain – up 70% possession of the ball - though a good defensive performance by Switzerland limited Spain to Piqué’s effort, a possible penalty shout for Villa and a great chance also for Villa. Relentless pressure on Busquets and Xavi and man-to man marking on Iniesta by Inler kept the scoreboard at 0-0.

A scrappy goal

After the break Spain continued to create some good chances but in Switzerland’s first real counterattack Fernandes scored the only goal of the match.

Nerves take hold

Vicente del Bosque made a couple of changes but Spain’s problems continued to increase. Iniesta had the chance to equalize in the 63rd minute but his shot went wide of Benaglio’s left-hand post. Nervousness took hold of the Spanish players and the Swiss defence began to look more and more at home. In the 69th minute Xabi Alonso hit the crossbar before Derdiyok had the chance to clinch the match but hit the post.

The referee added six minutes on the end of the match but Spain just couldn’t find a way through.