World Cup 2010, Spain Vs. Switzerland: Gelson Fernandes, Swiss Hand Spain Shocking 1-0 Loss

Switzerland won a surprise three points over Spain, getting a 51st minute goal from Gelson Fernandes to pull-off the biggest upset of a young World Cup 2010, 1-0.

It was only one of two shots on goal for Switzerland, who held only 26 percent of the possession while playing deep in their own end for the entire match.

Spain looked destined to eventually breakthrough but leave the match with 25 shots, five on goal, with no goals. It was only their second loss in their last 48 international matches.

It was Switzerland’s first victory ever over Spain but their fifth straight World Cup shutout, having left Germany 2006 after allowing no goals but losing in the Round of 16 on penalty kicks.

Today, the Swiss continued that great defensive record, though Spain had a number of chances. But the play of Diego Benaglio in the Swiss goal kept strong chances out chances from David Villa, Xabi Alonso and substitute Fernando Torres.

Switzerland took their lead in the 51st minute, when Swiss build-up broken up by Gerard Piqué led to chaos in the Spanish area. Goalkeeper Iker Casillas was caught out of goal while coming off his line to collect the ball, allowing midfielder Gelson Fernandes to put the goal into an open net.

Over the last forty minutes of the match Spain continued to dominate possession, but it was the Swiss that had the best chance, with forward Eren Derdiyok hitting the base of Iker Casillass right post after an attack which beat left back Joan Capdevilla, allowing Derdiyok the shot with the outside of his right foot.

The win puts Switzerland joint-top of Group H with Chile, who beat Honduras earlier in the day. Honduras will be Spain’s next opponent while the Swiss take on Chile.