Swiss pull off shock win over favourites Spain

Durban: Switzerland pulled off the biggest shock of this World Cup when they beat European champions Spain 1-0 in Group H on Wednesday, their first ever victory over their opponents in 19 games.

Gelson Fernandes' goal after a mix up in the Spanish defence gave the Swiss a shock 52nd minute lead and Spain, for all their talent and guile, were unable to find a way through the massed ranks of white Switzerland shirts.

"We tried in an orthodox way and in an heroic way but we were not able to score. It wasn't our day. We dominated almost all the match," Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said.

"This defeat means that we have to win the other two (group) matches," he added.

Image:Switzerland's Gelson Fernandes, right, celebrates with teammate Tranquillo Barnetta after scoring the opening goal

Text: Reuters

Images: AP

Coverage: FIFA World Cup