Swiss stun Spain

• Fernandes strike stuns European champions in Group H Today’s fixtures Argentina vs Korea Republic-1.30pm Greece vs Nigeria-4pm France vs Mexico-8.30pm Yesterday’s results Honduras 0-1  ChileSpain         0-1  SwitzerlandS.Africa     0- 3 Uruguay  A VALIANT performance from Switzerland ensured Ottmar Hitzfeld’s team claimed the shock of the World Cup so far against European champions Spain as Gelson Fernandes bundled home a winner in Durban.

Thursday, June 17, 2010
Switzerlandu2019s midfielder Gokhan Inler clears the ball under pressure from Xabi Alonso.

• Fernandes strike stuns European champions in Group H

Today’s fixtures

Argentina vs Korea Republic-1.30pm 
Greece vs Nigeria-4pm 
France vs Mexico-8.30pm

Yesterday’s results

Honduras 0-1  Chile
Spain         0-1  Switzerland
S.Africa     0- 3 Uruguay 

A VALIANT performance from Switzerland ensured Ottmar Hitzfeld’s team claimed the shock of the World Cup so far against European champions Spain as Gelson Fernandes bundled home a winner in Durban.

The Spaniards dominated possession for the entire game but found themselves up against a resolute and disciplined Swiss side, which refused to lose shape versus their opponents’ passing football.

And in the 52nd minute, Spain were left reeling when Fernandes pounced on uncertain defending, with a cut and bloodied Gerard Pique indicative of how Vicente del Bosque’s side must have felt come the final whistle.

Such is Spain’s frightening strength in depth, head coach Del Bosque had the luxury of leaving Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas on the substitutes’ bench while Andres Iniesta passed a late fitness test and did make the starting XI. For Switzerland, key striker Alexander Frei did not start after arriving in South Africa with an ankle injury.

Earlier in the day, Jean Beausejour scored the only goal as Chile beat Honduras 1-0 in their Group H opening match at Mbombela Stadium to secure their first World Cup victory in 48 years.

"We have to enjoy this win, but there’s another tough match coming and we have to win again,” said Chile forward Alexis Sanchez.

Beausejour scored in the 34th minute, rounding off a slick move from the Chileans.

Playmaker Matias Fernandez split the Honduras defence with a delightful pass, releasing Mauricio Isla down the right flank.

His cross from the byline was met at the front post by Honduran defender Sergio Mendoza, with Beausejour in close attendance. Mendoza tried to clear the ball but it cannoned off the Chilean into the Honduran net.

Honduras are still looking for their first World Cup win. This is only their second appearance in the finals, their first ending without victory in 1982.

Ends