16 Jun, 2010 @ 18:46
1 min read

Switzerland stun Spain in World Cup opener

WORLD Cup favourites Spain suffered a shock defeat in their opening match to under dogs Switzerland.

The disjointed European Champions were stunned when former Manchester City midfielder Gelson Fernandes bundled in a scappy effort midway through the second half.

The Furia Roja huffed and puffed but were unable to find a way through a resolute Swiss defence.

Real Madrid holding midfielder Xabi Alonso came agonisingly close to equalising for the highly-fancied Spaniards when his 25-yard drive crashed against the bar.

And despite the introduction of fit-again frontman Fernando Torres with 20 minutes to spare, it was Ottmar Hitzfeld’s well-drilled outfit that look likeliest to score.

With Spain throwing men forward in search of a leveller, Swiss forward Eren Derdiyok almost put the game beyond doubt when he struck the foot of the post after a mazy run.

Jon Clarke (Publisher & Editor)

Jon Clarke is a Londoner who worked at the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday as an investigative journalist before moving permanently to Spain in 2003 where he helped set up the Olive Press. He is the author of three books; Costa Killer, Dining Secrets of Andalucia and My Search for Madeleine.

Do you have a story? Contact newsdesk@theolivepress.es

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