It wasn’t at all expected at this stage of the tournament for the European Champion. But it is true. The Spanish armada was beaten by the Swiss guards thru an excellent effort from Gelson Fernandes in the 52nd minute. It wasn’t planned actually. It was plainly running and running and then the player suddenly found the ball on his feet and in front of the goal. It was a sight that Spain’s fans will have to cover their faces with both hands. A shame really!

Spain, one of the favorites to win the World Cup, looked lethal on paper, with big names like Torres, Iniesta, Alonso, Ramos, Villa and Cassilas. They were also unbeaten in 12 games prior to this Swiss encounter. And as per record, Switzerland had never beaten Spain in any of their previous matches.

But as usual, and as in previous World Cup’s, Spain had not lived to its expectations. Their best finish was a fourth place in the 1950 edition. If you think of the popularity and strength of the La Liga, the performance of the past Spanish teams really pales in comparison. Don’t ask me why. It is the same question that bugged journalists and sports analysts. Why in the biggest stage of football the Spanish team crumbles?

On that fateful night in Durban, Spain possessed the ball 63% of the time. They dribbled, made excellent passes, and sizzled their way on front of the Swiss goal. They made 25 attempts, and five of them were on target. But even the goal post helped in fortifying the Swiss defense. Such an unlucky day!

I do not know anyone from the Swiss side until last night. Was it luck, was it their defensive effort? The strategy employed by coash Ottmar Hitzfeld of defending, and then the counter attack, was more of a Jose Mourinho style to me. And the coach believed that it was the only way of stopping the fluid attack of the Spanish side.

Is Spain going to progress? They really have to. But beating both Chile and Honduras are not easy tasks. No team that lost on its opening match won the World Cup.

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