Switzerland Shocks Spain 1-0

It's only their second loss in 50 games
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jun 16, 2010 12:27 PM CDT
Switzerland Shocks Spain 1-0
Fans react as they watch the World Cup match between Spain and Switzerland, on a large screen outside the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, on Wednesday, June 16, 2010.   (AP Photo/Arturo Rodriguez)

Switzerland stunned the world today in South Africa, toppling Spain, one of the top two teams in the world and the current European champion, 1-0. Gelson Fernandes bundled the ball into the net in the 52nd minute in one of Switzerland's few attacks, ending Spain's 12-match winning streak and handing the Spanish team only its second loss in 50 games. "We had plenty of chances but they defended very well," Spain defender Gerard Pique said. "I don't think we adapted adequately to their game."

Eren Derdiyok created Switzerland's goal by surging through the center of Spain's defense and getting around goalkeeper Iker Casillas. Gerard Pique's tackle stopped Derdiyok, but Fernandes pounced on the loose ball and forced it into the net. In fact, the Swiss almost doubled their lead in the 75th minute, when a Derdiyok shot sailed past Casillas, but hit the post. All the while Switzerland steadfastly maintained its defensive shape in the face of a desperate Spanish attack. The Swiss, knocked out on penalties in 2006, have now gone 490 minutes without conceding a World Cup goal. (More 2010 World Cup stories.)

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