Spain held 0-0 by Swiss at half-time

World Cup favourites Spain were held to a 0-0 scoreline by Switzerland at half-time of the Group H game here Wednesday.

In a tame first 45 minutes, Spain were seemingly content to spend large amounts of time passing the ball between themselves and the Swiss to watch, with nine of their 10 outfield players behind the ball.

The best chance of the half fell to Gerard Pique, who cut back inside a sprawling Stephane Grichting but saw his shot parried by the legs of Swiss goalkeeper Diego Benaglio.

David Villa then made a hash of a cross rather than shooting in the 44th minute.

Benaglio, who saw key Fulham defender Philippe Senderos limp off with an ankle injury, was not really tested apart from a couple of routine clearances of misfired shots.

Recent Barcelona signing Villa had the first chance of the game, played into the Swiss box after a neat one-two with former Valencia team-mate David Silva, but the striker’s first touch was too heavy and Benaglio snaffled the ball.

Silva saw a tame shot go straight to Benaglio and Sergio Ramos, given lots of room down the right wing, could only hurry his shot into the side netting.

Benaglio was called into duty again to field a strike by Andres Iniesta as Spain looked to convert their overwhelming advantage in terms of possession and territory into something concrete.

A high foot from Xavi handed Switzerland a rare shy on the Spanish goal, but captain Iker Casillas easily covered the Reto Ziegler free-kick.