Switzerland’s 558 minute World Cup scoreless streak ended with Mark Gonzalez’s 74th minute goal, enough to see Chile to a 1-0 victory and top spot in Group H.
World Cup 2010, Switzerland Vs. Chile: Mark Gonzalez Goal Sees Chile Past Switzerland
The match was defined in the 31st minute, when Swiss midfielder Valon Behrami was shown straight red after accidentally putting a arm to Arturo Vidal’s face while shielding the Chilean defender from the ball.
From there, Switzerland generated few chances, the best of which came in the 90th minute when Eren Derdiyok pulled a 16 yard shot wide of Claudio Bravio’s right post.
In the interim, Chile dominated, controlling 69 percent of the possession and putting six shots on goal to Switzerland’s zero.
Chile crafted the match’s only goal in the 74th minute, when a ball rolled into the box was misjudged by Swiss goalkeeper Diego Benaglio, who came off his line but could not get to the ball before Esteban Parades was able to touch the ball around him and cross for Mark Gonzalez. The winger headed into the vacated net for the match’s only goal.
Chile now moves to six points and sole possession of the lead in Group H ahead of Friday’s match against Spain. The Chileans can clinch a knockout stage spot by the end of the day if Honduras gets a point from Spain.
Switzerland stays on three points, alone in second place, ahead of Friday’s match against Honduras.
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