The biggest upset in World Cup bookmaker odds occurred on Wednesday as Switzerland shocked Spain 1-0. Gelson Fernandes scored a goal in the 52nd minute for the Swiss and they held off a number of Spain chances to pull out the win vs. Internet bookmaker odds.
Spain was the favorite at the Internet bookmaker to win not only the match against Switzerland but the entire World Cup. They now have their work cut out for them but they can still advance out of the group if they get a win as expected against Honduras and then against Chile. Spain had won 12 straight matches in all competitions overall and it was only their second loss in their last 50 games.
Spain had a lot of chances against Switzerland but they simply couldn’t bury any of them. They outshot the Swiss 24-8 and had possession almost two thirds of the time. They just couldn’t get it past a very good Switzerland defense although they did have some good chances including hitting when Xabi Alonso hit the crossbar in the 70th minute.
Switzerland didn’t have many chances but Eren Derdiyok surged through the Spain defense after getting a long ball and colliding with Gerard Pique. Fernandes was there to pounce on the loose ball and put it into the net. The only other good chance for the Swiss came in the 75th minute when Derdiyok hit the post. Spain’s David Villa had some chances but most of his shots were either blocked or went wide. Fernando Torres entered as a sub in the second half but he couldn’t get much going against the Swiss defense. Spain suffered a loss when Andres Iniesta was taken out in the 77th minute after a tackle by Switzerland’s Stephan Lichsteiner.
Switzerland is not a fluke defensively as they have now gone 490 minutes in World Cup play without allowing a goal. Four years ago they lost in the round of 16 against Ukraine on penalties. The Switzerland-Spain match was the last opening match in Group play as all teams now get set to play their second match. Spain will not be heavily favored to dispatch of Honduras in their next match while Chile should be favored against Switzerland.