Much like an NCAA tournament #2 seed, Spain expected to sail through group play and seamlessly transition into the second round of play at the World Cup.

The waters in Spain’s journey were more turbulent than they anticipated.

In the teams’ World Cup opener, 24th-ranked Switzerland downed second-ranked Spain, 1-0.

This classified as the tournament’s first big shocker.  Spain was heavily favored in this matchup and most analysts had them tabbed as one of the frontrunners to win the whole thing. 

The Spaniards dictated the pace of the game throughout, controlling the ball early with the Swiss team barely gaining possession.  Despite the ball control, Spain wasn’t able to get many good shots on goal.

With Spain failing to capitalize on its time with the ball, Eren Derdiyok collected a long lobbed kick into the frontcourt.  Spanish goaltender Iker Casillas sprinted out to cut off a potential shot attempt, causing the ball to bounce off of his foot.  The ricochet was played by Gelson Fernandes – giving the Swiss a 1-0 advantage.

Spain then turned up the pressure, substituting Fernando Torres and Jesus Navas into the game.  The favorites fired away, but to no avail and the Swiss defense did just enough to fend off the Spaniards’ late charge.

Due to supplying the only score in the contest, Switzerland’s Fernandes was named Man of the Match.

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