Spain, one of the odds-on favorites to win the 2010 World Cup, looked every bit as dangerous as predicted in their opening game against Switzerland.
Problem was, the Spanish could never find the back of the net while the Swiss managed a goal in the 52nd minute and held on for the tournament’s biggest upset so far, a 1-0 win over the No. 2 team in the world. Gelson Fernandes’ rebound goal stood up as Spain dominated late possession but could never put their most dangerous shots on target.
It all made for a terrifically tense final minutes, and even the Swiss got into the act with a few late chances of their own, including one off the posts. But the Spanish dominated the late possession behind their world-class forwards even if they were unable to convert.
The result makes for a very interesting Group H, with the second-place team likely having to face Brazil in the Round of 16. Spain could still easily advance with a pair of victories, particularly since Chile was unable to score more than one goal while dominating Honduras in the group’s first match.
Winning the group is still in sight as well, but it was the worst possible start for a Spanish side that has never finished better than fourth in a World Cup. Like the Portuguese, the Spanish have a reputation for being unable to rise to the biggest stages, and no matter how many chances they produced Wednesday, that legacy will continue to haunt them with another unexpected loss.
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