Spain must re-write the history books if it is to win the World Cup after its shock opening loss to a tactically organised Ottmar Hitzfeld led Swiss side, as each of the 18 tournament winners has never lost their opening game.
The Spanish side came in as tournament favourites alongside Brazil.
At the break against the Swiss, Spain had dominated possession while only creating one clear-cut chance.
It gave the side a chance to prove itself to doubters, some of whom believe the Spanish find it tough to overturn a difficult start.
Unlike Brazil’s win over North Korea, the Spanish could not produce.
History is supposed to be re-written, but if you go by the books 2010 will not be Spain’s year.
There have been 18 World Cup tournaments and of the winners, their opening games have resulted as such:
Won – 16, Drawn – 2.
Spain was on a roll – unbeaten in an opening European Championship or Cup game since a loss to Norway in 2000.
In 1988, the Dutch lost their opening game before going on to win the European title – they are the last team to do so.
It all came undone through Hitzfeld and his superb side.
The Spanish started as expected – controlling more than 80 per cent of possession through Xavi, Xabi Alonso and Andres Iniesta through midfield.
They struggled to create chances with only David Villa up front, and the best fell after a fine turn from Gerard Pique in the box, but a wonderful Diego Benaglio snuffed out his shot.
The Swiss worked a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 in super fashion thanks to fantastic organisation.
Narrowing the defensive effort and sometimes even pressing the Spaniards, Switzerland allowed Spain to play the flanks, knowing crosses into the area would not cause too much trouble.
They were so right the Spaniards barely even whipped corners into the area.
The Swiss committed 19 fouls to nine, many in the middle of the park, breaking down and creating a lack of fluency for Spain.
Too far out to shoot and with no angle to work to put a dangerous ball into the area, whether a deliberate ploy or not, it worked.
Both teams hit the post late on but it was not to be Spain’s day.
The European champions will need to re-write the history books if they are to win the 2010 World Cup.
The books say this Cup run is over.
Goal of the day: Diego Forlan (Uruguay) – the hero with a brace, a long shot deflected beautifully for him to open the scoring on a day when scrappy goals were the go.
Love to be: Ottmar Hitzfeld (Switzerland) – amazing tactical win over the European Champions means he’ll be the talk of the town.
Hate to be: Bafana Bafana – it appears as though South Africa will come the first host nation not to progress beyond the group stage.
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