World Cup: Spain vs Switzerland 0-1 16 June 2010

Who would expect that? Switzerland beat Spain! Can't believe that it did happen, a big surprise. Switzerland had a strategy and was fullfiling it consistently. Spain was playing uneffectively, despite the fact they had 22 shots. Only 5 on target. All of them saved by Diego Benaglio, who was faultless today. He was one of the heroes of the match. Amazing save of Pique shot in the situation one to one. The goalkeeper's self-confidence gave the team additional motivation.

As for Casillas... well... The attempt of save didn't look the best. However, putting the goal entirely on the goalkeeper's acount would be a great unjustice. There was a huge dissaray in the penalty area. The ball bounced strangely from one of the players after Casillas tried to kick it away, and Fernandes found a place to push it into goal, before Iker could perform another save. Have a feeling that he didn't choose the best option in the first place (in similar situation earlier Bengalio catched the ball when Villa tried to score) but then again he had very little time to react... It was so fast. I don't know...

As for the stats: Benaglio made 5 saves in total, Casillas only 1 (data according to ESPN).

What now? An obvious answer. Spain has to win the next match. No other options.



Diego Benaglio















One of the most important saves in the game. Benaglio stops Pique shot. It bounced from his knee.





Benaglio vs Serigo Ramos



















Benaglio saves Villa's shot...





...and Villa clashes with the goalkeeper.





































Grichting hugs Benaglio







It was not a good match for Iker Casillas.





Warm up before the match.





































































That could be another goal for Switzerland but the post saved the situation.



























After the lost match. Iker looks as if he desperately needed a hug...