Switzerland shocks Spain with smash and grab 1-0 win

The first shocker of the 2010 World Cup is in the books.....and boy what a shocker it was.  Switzerland knocked off European Champions Spain 1-0.  It was smash and grab soccer at its best.  Switzerland sat back and defended with the class and discipline they have become legendary for.  The Swiss have not allowed a goal in World Cup play in over five hours of soccer. 

When the chance finally presented itself, Switzerland pounced in a counterattack of legendary proportions.  It wasn't a goal of beauty in the end.  It was a goal just as it should have been.  A quick link up between the forwards sent the Swiss racing in on goal where Spain keeper Iker Casillas was a bit slow off his line.  The result was a pile up of epic proportions with Gelson Fernandes slipping in to poke the ball into the empty net.

The Spanish was in real trouble at that point as the goal just increased the Swiss resolve to defend to the death.  The introduction of Navas opened up the right side of the field as he was dangerous nearly everytime he touched the ball.  Navas narrowly missed firing just wide as the crowd groaned.

The best chance came from long range when Xabi Alonso stepped onto a corner at the top of the box and rifled an absolute laser off the crossbar.  Switzerland rarely got forward, but when they did it was danger stations as they nearly snatched another goal only being denied by the woodwork.

It was only Spain's second defeat in their last 48 matches and the first time Switzerland has even beaten Spain.  The result turns Group H completely on its head as Switzerland and Chile top the group and Spain facing trouble in a big way.  No team has ever won a World Cup after losing their opening match.