Spain against Switzerland

Lichsteiner with another crucial intervention. He's been excellent and heads the ball off Torres boot.

A free-kick is sent in by Xavi, a much better delivery and Benaglio punches clear. Switzerland look like they're going to hang on.

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>Spain has created more chances on goal (16) without scoring than any other team in this World Cup.</i>

<img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20080301/subs.gif> <b>SUB: </b> Barnetta off for Eggiman

<img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20080301/yellow.jpg> <b>YELLOW CARD: </b> Benaglio booked for time wasting

The corner comes to nothing, yet again. Spain have to improve their use of set-pieces.

Corner to Spain as the clock hits 90 minutes...5 added minutes!!!!

Del Bosque has sent Pique to join the strikers. Spain are throwing the kitchen sink at Switzerland, so far to no avail.

Torres is sent through but again his control lets him down. Understandably he looks rusty.

This brave stuff from Switzerland. They're sitting very deep and inviting Spain onto them. You'd expect one more chance for Spain...

Spain are having plenty of the ball but they are creating nothing. So close now for Switzerland.

Stat Attack: <i>Switzerland have never beaten Spain in 18 previous encounters.</i>

The corner is well worked to Inler, who feeds Barnetta. He loses possession and Spain spring forward. Torres over runs the ball and Switzerland survive!

A rare attack for the Swiss, Barnetta's effort grazes the crossbar, the Inler's cross is blocked for a corner.

Spain are finding Switzerland too well organised. This could be one of the great World Cup shocks.

Derdiyok is getting a well earned rest. He has battled admirably and almost grabbed himself a memorable goal.

<img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20080301/subs.gif> <b>SUB: </b>Derdiyok off for Yakin

Jesus Navas has looked lively since he came on, if a little less influential than David Silva. He fires wide from 25 yards. Switzerland are 13 minutes away from victory.

That could be a blow for Spain, Iniesta failed to recover from the clash with Lichtsteiner and has been replaced by his Barca team-mate Pedro.

<img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20080301/subs.gif> <b>SUB: </b>Iniesta off for Pedro

Lichtsteiner with a perfectly-timed tackle to dispossess Iniesta, who hobbles off for treatment.

Great stuff from Derdiyok! He plays a lovely one-two with N'Kufo, glides inside Pique, and the Puyol before his low effort hits the inside of the post. What a goal that would've been.

Free kick Spain, Xavi sends it across, Sergio Ramos' header hits Pique and falls kindly into the arms of Benaglio.

Switzerland are hanging on in Durban...

Sloppy from Ziegler, he's caught in possession and lets Navas in. His effort is saved by Benaglio at his near post.

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0616/soc_a_fernandesg_288.jpg"><br>Geslon Fernandes celebrates his goal.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2010/0616/gelsonfernandesscores20100616_275x155.jpg"> <br> Gelson Fernandes scores the shock opener.

Spain have another corner, it comes to Alonso who comes within inches of levelling! He 25 yard effort crashes off the underside of the bar, a stunning strike.

For Switzerland Derdiyok whips in a dangerous ball for N'Kufo, his header hits Carles Puyol but no corner is given. Poor decision.

However moments later Torres is released through the middle. He's forced to cut back and bends the ball over the bar.

Spain have struggled to create anything since the goal and look to be running out of ideas.

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>Spain have had 30 touches in the opponent's penalty area, while Switzerland have had only 5.</i>

Switzerland have their lead and now they are going all out to defend it. 10 men behind the ball as Grichting heads out for another corner.

Iniesta curls a delicious 20 yard effort inches wide. Benaglio didn't move.

Can Torres haul Spain back into this one? He's got half an hour.

<img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20080301/subs.gif> <b>SUB: </b>Silva and Busquets off for Navas and Torres

Excellent goalkeeping from Benaglio! Dashing out quickly to dive at the feet of David Villa.

Xavi stands over another corner. This one is slightly better, Ramos heading over from 12 yards.

Spain have had plenty of corners but wasted them all. The latest one is cleared at the front post.

David Villa fires comfortably into the arms of Benaglio after an Iniesta pull back. Now we'll see what Spain are made of.

The goal has energised Switzerland, Pique almost turning the ball into his own goal from a low cross. Spain look shell shocked.

Spain are straight back on the front foot. Ramos's ball almost finds David Villa. Surely it's time for Torres...

Stat Attack: <i>Seven of Switzerland's nine World Cup opening games have been draws at half time.</i>

<img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20080301/goal.gif> <b>GOAL: </b> 1-0 Switzerland! Where did that come from?! Fernandes scores after Casillas hacks down Derdiyok. Sergio Ramos stumbles over the ball, which eventually falls to the feet of Gelson Fernandes. The shock is on!

The corner is taken short, Xavi's looped ball is tip round the post for the corner.

Another effort from Alonso is cleared for yet another Spain corner.

Spain are finding it too easy to get to the byline. In fairness, when they do Switzerland are dealing with the crosses.

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0616/soc_g_headball_288.jpg"><br>Blake Nkufo battles with Carles Puyol.

Spain earn another corner, Capdevila's cross is cannons off the first man.

Predictably the ball is cleared, and in the blink of an eye Spain have their own free kick in the Swiss half.

Ziegler is over a free kick for Switzerland, a rare chance to threaten.

The corners is cleared to Xabi Alonso who's shot clears the cross bar comfortably.

Spain start the second half as they ended the first. Silva again dances down the right. His cut back is put out for a corner.

<b>SECOND HALF</b> Spain kick off.

Stat Attack: <i>Spain have averaged 3.3 goals per game in their last seven group stage matches.</i>

Spain have kept possession well. Xavi and Iniesta have clearly benefitted from playing together at club level, while David Silva looks very dangerous.

Switzerland will hope the injury to Senderos isn't too serious. It's no coincidence Spain's only clear cut chance came after he'd left the field.

Comment from Dale Johnson: <i>Spain have looked the most stylish and classy side in the tournament so far, of that there is no doubt. But the Swiss have kept them out. I predict a goal from Spain in the first ten minutes of the second half.</i>

Fernando Torres may be needed if Spain are to break down this stubborn Switzerland defence.

<b>HALF TIME</b> Switzerland are half way to an unlikely point.

One minute to be added at the end of the first half.

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0616/soc_a_inler_288.jpg"><br>Goekhan Inler stretches for the ball.

The first chance of the tournament for David Villa and it's wasted. He breaks through and cuts inside brilliantly. Unfortunately he makes an absolute mess of the chipped finish.

David Villa brings the ball down excellently. His lay off squirms through to Iniesta who blazes over.

If Switzerland were thinking they could relax the figure of Fernando Torres on the bench should be enough to make sure they stay focused.

Spain are moving the ball around neatly. Patiently waiting for the Swiss defence to buckle. Their standing firm so far...

The corner is wasted, Casillas tries to launch a counter attack but only succeeds in launching the ball out of play.

A Switzerland corner from a Barnetta cross. They really need to make these count.

Spain are cutting through the Swiss defence at will. Silva's cut back is put out for a corner that comes to nothing.

<img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20080301/subs.gif> <b>SUB: </b> Senderos off for Von Bergen, bad news for Switzerland.

Switzerland again give away possession, Iniesta feeds Capdevilla who clips a dangerous ball to the back post. Villa's header down just evades David Silva.

Xavi whips in a free kick that lands at the feet of Pique. Is there a better ball-playing defender than him in the world? He holds off numerous challenges before eventually losing possession. Spain well on top now.

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0616/soc_g_iniesta_288.jpg"><br>Andres Iniesta and Goekhan Inler.

David Villa wallops the ball into the wall and out for a corner.

<img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20080301/yellow.jpg> <b>YELLOW CARD: </b>Grichting lucky not to walk as he brings down Iniesta. The Barca men was through there. A dangerous free kick.

<i>Never during Spain's World Cup qualifiers did manager Vicente del Bosque start a game with today's eleven.</i>

Worringly for Switzerland Senderos is off receiving treatment. You suspect they're going to need him to get anything out of this game.

Iniesta goes down holding his face after a clash with Ziegler. There didn't seem to be much in it.

Casillas makes his first meaningful contribution, saving low to his left from the free kick. At least it's a shot for Switzerland.

Free kick in a dangerous area for Switzerland. Can they test Casillas...

Chance for Spain. Pique displays an excellent touch from an Iniesta through ball. He turns but Benaglio rushes out and makes a good save.

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0616/soc_g_villa_288.jpg"><br>David Villa battles with Stephan Lichtsteiner

Ramos again slips in David Silva. The Valencia man tries to find Villa but his ball is intercepted. Ramos is getting too much room on Switzerland's left.

Spain are looking dangerous out wide. The latest Ramos cross is cleared, eventually falling to Iniesta 30 yards out who hits it straight down the throat of Benaglio.

It's duly wasted as Benaglio hoofs it on to the head of Capdevila.

A foul by Ramos and a chance for Switzerland to keep the ball for a while.

In the closest thing to a Switzerland attack so far Pique easily heads away a wayward cross. It's too comfortable for Spain.

Spain are finding so much space out wide. Sergio Ramos is the latest to exploit it as he cuts inside and fires wide.

Switzerland need to push up. Or at least attempt to keep the ball when they have it. It's looking like a matter of time until Spain score as David Silva rifles in a low shot.

A clumsy-looking Philippe Senderos bundles over David Silva in the box. Howard Webb waves play on but the big centre-half is going to have to be careful.

Busquets brought down by Inler. It's the only way they can stop this relentless Spanish possession.

Capdevilla gets to the byline after a lovely link up play with Silva. His cross fails to find a team-mate though. Switzerland have barely had a kick.

Silva gives the ball away. There's a sniff of an attack for Switzerland until Busquets mops up and Spain start building again.

Corner comes to nothing and straight away Spain are on the front foot. Villa is momentarily behind the Swiss defence but runs the ball into the arms of goalkeeper Benaglio.

Corner to Switzerland, a chance to relieve the early pressure.

Xavi and Iniesta are already dictating the play for Spain who are look very calm in possession.

Inler brings down Xavi, Switzerland can't get near Spain at the moment. A comfortable start for Del Bosque's men.

Even at this early stage it's clear Switzerland can't afford to keep giving away possession. Another goal kick runs through to Casillas and Spain come forward again.

Switzerland comfortably deal with Xavi's free kick, but the ball is Spain's once again. It could be a long afternoon for the Swiss defence.

Free-kick to Spain, Busquets brought down, an early sight at goal.

Switzerland briefly have the ball, until the goal kick is pumped up to N'Kufo who gives away a foul.

Straight away Spain look to settle into their possession after an initial forray from Switzerland.

<b>KICK OFF </b> Switzerland get the match started.

The teams are in the tunnel in Durban, can Spain live up to their tag as tournament favourites?

For Switzerland, Alexander Frei has lost his battle to be fit as he is named among the substitutes. Young striker Erin Derdiyok takes his place up front.

For Spain, Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas are fit enough to be on the bench. Andres Iniesta starts in what looks like a very strong team.

Switzerland and Spain are the final two countries to get their World Cup campaigns under way, let's hope South Africa has been saving the best till last.

Phil Ball <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/columns/story?id=796467" target="_new">sees great cause for optimism in Spain</a> but wonders if it's all looking a bit too perfect.

<img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2010/0615/switzerlandtraining_275x155.jpg> Swizterland's players are put through their paces at the Durban Stadium on Tuesday.

Derdiyok is getting a well earned rest. He has battled admirably and almost grabbed himself a memorable goal.

<img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20080301/subs.gif> <b>SUB: </b>Derdiyok off for Yakin

Jesus Navas has looked lively since he came on, if a little less influential than David Silva. He fires wide from 25 yards. Switzerland are 13 minutes away from victory.

That could be a blow for Spain, Iniesta failed to recover from the clash with Lichtsteiner and has been replaced by his Barca team-mate Pedro.

<img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20080301/subs.gif> <b>SUB: </b>Iniesta off for Pedro

Lichtsteiner with a perfectly-timed tackle to dispossess Iniesta, who hobbles off for treatment.

Great stuff from Derdiyok! He plays a lovely one-two with N'Kufo, glides inside Pique, and the Puyol before his low effort hits the inside of the post. What a goal that would've been.

Free kick Spain, Xavi sends it across, Sergio Ramos' header hits Pique and falls kindly into the arms of Benaglio.

Switzerland are hanging on in Durban...

Sloppy from Ziegler, he's caught in possession and lets Navas in. His effort is saved by Benaglio at his near post.

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0616/soc_a_fernandesg_288.jpg"><br>Geslon Fernandes celebrates his goal.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2010/0616/gelsonfernandesscores20100616_275x155.jpg"> <br> Gelson Fernandes scores the shock opener.

Spain have another corner, it comes to Alonso who comes within inches of levelling! He 25 yard effort crashes off the underside of the bar, a stunning strike.

For Switzerland Derdiyok whips in a dangerous ball for N'Kufo, his header hits Carles Puyol but no corner is given. Poor decision.

However moments later Torres is released through the middle. He's forced to cut back and bends the ball over the bar.

Spain have struggled to create anything since the goal and look to be running out of ideas.

ESPN Stats & Info: <i>Spain have had 30 touches in the opponent's penalty area, while Switzerland have had only 5.</i>

Switzerland have their lead and now they are going all out to defend it. 10 men behind the ball as Grichting heads out for another corner.

Iniesta curls a delicious 20 yard effort inches wide. Benaglio didn't move.

Can Torres haul Spain back into this one? He's got half an hour.

<img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20080301/subs.gif> <b>SUB: </b>Silva and Busquets off for Navas and Torres

Excellent goalkeeping from Benaglio! Dashing out quickly to dive at the feet of David Villa.

Xavi stands over another corner. This one is slightly better, Ramos heading over from 12 yards.

Spain have had plenty of corners but wasted them all. The latest one is cleared at the front post.

David Villa fires comfortably into the arms of Benaglio after an Iniesta pull back. Now we'll see what Spain are made of.

The goal has energised Switzerland, Pique almost turning the ball into his own goal from a low cross. Spain look shell shocked.

Spain are straight back on the front foot. Ramos's ball almost finds David Villa. Surely it's time for Torres...

Stat Attack: <i>Seven of Switzerland's nine World Cup opening games have been draws at half time.</i>

<img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20080301/goal.gif> <b>GOAL: </b> 1-0 Switzerland! Where did that come from?! Fernandes scores after Casillas hacks down Derdiyok. Sergio Ramos stumbles over the ball, which eventually falls to the feet of Gelson Fernandes. The shock is on!

The corner is taken short, Xavi's looped ball is tip round the post for the corner.

Another effort from Alonso is cleared for yet another Spain corner.

Spain are finding it too easy to get to the byline. In fairness, when they do Switzerland are dealing with the crosses.

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0616/soc_g_headball_288.jpg"><br>Blake Nkufo battles with Carles Puyol.

Spain earn another corner, Capdevila's cross is cannons off the first man.

Predictably the ball is cleared, and in the blink of an eye Spain have their own free kick in the Swiss half.

Ziegler is over a free kick for Switzerland, a rare chance to threaten.

The corners is cleared to Xabi Alonso who's shot clears the cross bar comfortably.

Spain start the second half as they ended the first. Silva again dances down the right. His cut back is put out for a corner.

<b>SECOND HALF</b> Spain kick off.

Stat Attack: <i>Spain have averaged 3.3 goals per game in their last seven group stage matches.</i>

Spain have kept possession well. Xavi and Iniesta have clearly benefitted from playing together at club level, while David Silva looks very dangerous.

Switzerland will hope the injury to Senderos isn't too serious. It's no coincidence Spain's only clear cut chance came after he'd left the field.

Comment from Dale Johnson: <i>Spain have looked the most stylish and classy side in the tournament so far, of that there is no doubt. But the Swiss have kept them out. I predict a goal from Spain in the first ten minutes of the second half.</i>

Fernando Torres may be needed if Spain are to break down this stubborn Switzerland defence.

<b>HALF TIME</b> Switzerland are half way to an unlikely point.

One minute to be added at the end of the first half.

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0616/soc_a_inler_288.jpg"><br>Goekhan Inler stretches for the ball.

The first chance of the tournament for David Villa and it's wasted. He breaks through and cuts inside brilliantly. Unfortunately he makes an absolute mess of the chipped finish.

David Villa brings the ball down excellently. His lay off squirms through to Iniesta who blazes over.

If Switzerland were thinking they could relax the figure of Fernando Torres on the bench should be enough to make sure they stay focused.

Spain are moving the ball around neatly. Patiently waiting for the Swiss defence to buckle. Their standing firm so far...

The corner is wasted, Casillas tries to launch a counter attack but only succeeds in launching the ball out of play.

A Switzerland corner from a Barnetta cross. They really need to make these count.

Spain are cutting through the Swiss defence at will. Silva's cut back is put out for a corner that comes to nothing.

<img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20080301/subs.gif> <b>SUB: </b> Senderos off for Von Bergen, bad news for Switzerland.

Switzerland again give away possession, Iniesta feeds Capdevilla who clips a dangerous ball to the back post. Villa's header down just evades David Silva.

Xavi whips in a free kick that lands at the feet of Pique. Is there a better ball-playing defender than him in the world? He holds off numerous challenges before eventually losing possession. Spain well on top now.

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0616/soc_g_iniesta_288.jpg"><br>Andres Iniesta and Goekhan Inler.

David Villa wallops the ball into the wall and out for a corner.

<img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/DJ/20080301/yellow.jpg> <b>YELLOW CARD: </b>Grichting lucky not to walk as he brings down Iniesta. The Barca men was through there. A dangerous free kick.

<i>Never during Spain's World Cup qualifiers did manager Vicente del Bosque start a game with today's eleven.</i>

Worringly for Switzerland Senderos is off receiving treatment. You suspect they're going to need him to get anything out of this game.

Iniesta goes down holding his face after a clash with Ziegler. There didn't seem to be much in it.

Casillas makes his first meaningful contribution, saving low to his left from the free kick. At least it's a shot for Switzerland.

Free kick in a dangerous area for Switzerland. Can they test Casillas...

Chance for Spain. Pique displays an excellent touch from an Iniesta through ball. He turns but Benaglio rushes out and makes a good save.

<img src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0616/soc_g_villa_288.jpg"><br>David Villa battles with Stephan Lichtsteiner

Ramos again slips in David Silva. The Valencia man tries to find Villa but his ball is intercepted. Ramos is getting too much room on Switzerland's left.

Spain are looking dangerous out wide. The latest Ramos cross is cleared, eventually falling to Iniesta 30 yards out who hits it straight down the throat of Benaglio.

It's duly wasted as Benaglio hoofs it on to the head of Capdevila.

A foul by Ramos and a chance for Switzerland to keep the ball for a while.

In the closest thing to a Switzerland attack so far Pique easily heads away a wayward cross. It's too comfortable for Spain.

Spain are finding so much space out wide. Sergio Ramos is the latest to exploit it as he cuts inside and fires wide.

Switzerland need to push up. Or at least attempt to keep the ball when they have it. It's looking like a matter of time until Spain score as David Silva rifles in a low shot.

A clumsy-looking Philippe Senderos bundles over David Silva in the box. Howard Webb waves play on but the big centre-half is going to have to be careful.

Busquets brought down by Inler. It's the only way they can stop this relentless Spanish possession.

Capdevilla gets to the byline after a lovely link up play with Silva. His cross fails to find a team-mate though. Switzerland have barely had a kick.

Silva gives the ball away. There's a sniff of an attack for Switzerland until Busquets mops up and Spain start building again.

Corner comes to nothing and straight away Spain are on the front foot. Villa is momentarily behind the Swiss defence but runs the ball into the arms of goalkeeper Benaglio.

Corner to Switzerland, a chance to relieve the early pressure.

Xavi and Iniesta are already dictating the play for Spain who are look very calm in possession.

Inler brings down Xavi, Switzerland can't get near Spain at the moment. A comfortable start for Del Bosque's men.

Even at this early stage it's clear Switzerland can't afford to keep giving away possession. Another goal kick runs through to Casillas and Spain come forward again.

Switzerland comfortably deal with Xavi's free kick, but the ball is Spain's once again. It could be a long afternoon for the Swiss defence.

Free-kick to Spain, Busquets brought down, an early sight at goal.

Switzerland briefly have the ball, until the goal kick is pumped up to N'Kufo who gives away a foul.

Straight away Spain look to settle into their possession after an initial forray from Switzerland.

<b>KICK OFF </b> Switzerland get the match started.

The teams are in the tunnel in Durban, can Spain live up to their tag as tournament favourites?

For Switzerland, Alexander Frei has lost his battle to be fit as he is named among the substitutes. Young striker Erin Derdiyok takes his place up front.

For Spain, Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas are fit enough to be on the bench. Andres Iniesta starts in what looks like a very strong team.

Switzerland and Spain are the final two countries to get their World Cup campaigns under way, let's hope South Africa has been saving the best till last.

Phil Ball <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/columns/story?id=796467" target="_new">sees great cause for optimism in Spain</a> but wonders if it's all looking a bit too perfect.

<img src=http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2010/0615/switzerlandtraining_275x155.jpg> Swizterland's players are put through their paces at the Durban Stadium on Tuesday.