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.

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