Swiss shock Spain 1-0 in World Cup opener

Switzerland stunned European champions Spain in their World Cup opener here on Wednesday beating them 1-0 in their opening Group H match.

A Gelson Fernandes goal in the 52nd minute was enough to end Spain’s 12-match winning run and it was the Swiss’ first win over their rivals in 19 games.

Xabi Alonso went closest for the Spanish with his rasping shot hitting the crossbar in the 70th minute while the Swiss almost went 2-0 up four minutes later as Eren Derdiyok’s shot came back off the post with Iker Casillas beaten.

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque opted not to start with Fernando Torres but had no option but to send the Liverpool star on on the hour mark, though, he failed to make an impact.

Chile had earlier beaten Honduras 1-0 in their opening Group H match.