World Cup 2010, Switzerland Vs. Chile: Diego Benaglio Gets 10-Man Switzerland To Halftime Scoreless

Two saves from Switzerland goalkeeper Diego Benaglio in the tenth minute against Chile highlight the non-punitive portion of a scoreless first half, but the sending off of Swiss midfielder Valon Behrami in the 31st minute redefined Monday’s Chile-Switzerland match.

Arturo Vidal and Carlos Carmona had back-to-back shots on Benaglio saved early in the match, the best scoring chances of the match. Vital’s chance from 25 yards out dipped such that Benaglio had to punch it clear. The ball went to Carmona who one-timed a shot back on goal. Benaglio pushed the ball to the right of goal, his second of three first half saves.

Chile dominated first half possession, holding the ball for 66 percent of the half. The play, however, was relatively even until the 30th minute, when Switzerland had a man sent off.

Battling for a ball in midfield. Valon Behrami, while trying to shield Vidal from the ball, brought his hand to the Chilean’s face. Referee Khalil Al Ghamdi issued the midfielder a straight red card, making Behrami the first Swiss player ever dismissed from a World Cup match.