Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Gelson Fernandes was Switzerland's hero when overcome Spain 1-0



**Switzerland exceeds all expectations in the World Cup Group H opening game after dramatic a 1-0 victory against European Champion Spain.

The world was taken by surprise on Wednesday when midfielder Gelson Fernandes managed to penetrate the rock-solid Spanish defense and score the 51st minute winner despite strenuous goalkeeping efforts from Iker Casillas.

A superb rearguard effort from the Swiss frustrated the European champions throughout the game, as Spain continually failed to capitalise on the numerous chances created in front of goal.

The second-half strike came after first Casillas and then Barcelona center-back Gerard Pique failed to clear an effort from Swiss striker Eren Derdiyok, who fell over a long ball and gave Fernandes enough time to punch in the ball into an empty net.

Basking in their newfound glory, the Swiss side seemed more determined than ever to foil attempts by Spain to score an equalizer.

Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso came close to scoring the equalizer in the 70th minute, but in an unfortunate stroke of luck, his powerful drive hit the bar.

This was Switzerland's first win over Spain in more than 85 years. The Swiss team fell short of expectations in the last World Cup and was knocked out on penalties by Ukraine without so much as a goal in the tournament.


Team Line-Ups:

Spain : Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Joan Capdevila; David Silva (Jesus Navas 61'), Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Sergio Busquets(Fernando Torres 61'), Andres Iniesta (Pedro 77'), David Villa

Switzerland : Diego Benaglio; Stephane Grichting, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Philippe Senderos (Steve Von Bergen, 35'), Reto Ziegler, Tranquillo Barnetta, Gokhan Inler, Benjamin Huggel, Gelson Fernandes, Eren Derdiyok (Hakan Yakin 78'), Blaise Nkufo

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