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.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Yes - right you are! cheers
Dejan Kalinic
Roar Guru
West Germany beat Turkey 4-1 first up. But you are right about a Hungary shellacking. Hungary 8-3 West Germany in second group game.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Someone might need to check this, but I think West Germany copped the mother of all shellackings in its first game in 1954 against Hungary, and went on to win it, beating Hungary 3-2 in the final. So at least one past winner has lost its opening game in the past. As I wrote above, other past winners lost one of their matches in the group phase.
DaMan3000
Guest
Other records this WC has broken that I can think of: - Switzerland have never beaten Spain in 18 attempts... - No host nation has ever failed to reach the knockout phase...(not 100% confirmed yet, but will be soon) :) - New Zealand had never gained a point in the world cup finals... - Japan never won a world cup finals match outside of Japan... I will need to see Spain v Chile before I write them off.
Rich_daddy
Roar Guru
Spain would be spewing with the result. Absolutely dominated general play. Switzerland played a pretty dour defensive game but to their credit ripped Spain open on the counterattack. Spain are going to need to address this in their next matches. I hope they get through, they looked a strong attacking team which I think the this World Cup needs.
Art Sapphire
Guest
This Spanish loss reminded me a little bit of the Barca - Inter semi at Nou Camp. Both Barca and Spain started both games with a mosquito fleet. There was no aerial threat. With the Swiss forcing the Spanish out wide, it would have made sense to bring Llorente on at half time to provide some variety in attack. Torres looked pretty rusty when he came on and in general the whole Spanish team looked a bit lack- ustre. Unlike vibrant Chi..Chi..Chi.. le..le..le !!! Thanks to Spainish defeat, this group is now set up to be an absolute cracker. It will be interesting to see how the Swiss deal with Chile's enterprising play in the next match. The Spanish have it all to do and coming second in this group could see them face Brazil in the Round of 16.
Al
Guest
I would have liked a McBain like "Mennnnndozzzzzaaaaaaaaaaaaa"
AndyRoo
Roar Guru
I was pretty disappointed the commentator didn't make more "welcome" puns as the Honduran striker came on.
Al
Guest
Chile played some extremely attractive football, with Spain now needing a win I can see that game shaping up as the game of the tournament.
Fivehole
Guest
Spain have been chokers in world cups for years. Euro 2008 was an anomaly. Spain are back to their underachieving best. BTW, love the name of the Chilean #3 - Ponce - accurately described much of the "simulation" in the Honduras - Chile match
Dejan Kalinic
Roar Guru
If Spain play Italy, do they win? The lack of - dare I say - creativity against a tight defence last night was amazing. And Spain's own defence looked at sixes and sevens on more than one occasion. It's worrying because this group of players have not been slow starters previously.
AndyRoo
Roar Guru
Will make the Chile vs Spain game a cracker....... well it would be safer to say dissapointment because that's more likely but that won't stop me getting excited.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Argenting actually lost its 3rd group game in 1978, and went on to win the whole shebang, and I think the exact same thing happened to WEst Germany in 1974.
el_Pajovic
Roar Rookie
Hmmm, Ireland beat Italy in their opening game in Giants Stadium NY in USA 94. Italy still reached the final. Argentina lost to Cameroon in Italia 90 but also go to the final. I don't think that the Spanish need to despair just yet.
Marcel Proust
Guest
History ? Stuff History !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!