Spain arrived at the 2010 FIFA World Cup with the pundits predicting an easy victory, and the possibility of winning the prized trophy.

It was expected that Spain would do to Switzerland what Germany did to Australia.

I am often reminded of the same predictions when Spain faced the USA in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa, only to lose to the USA.

What went wrong for Spain?

The excess publicity giving Spain an advantage does not work. Spain appeared to not be playing as they should be. They made many mistakes, which favored the Swiss.

Gelson Fernandes of the Swiss team was able to overcome exhausted goal keeper, Iker Casillas, to score the only goal.

Pique (who is another player for Spain) was unable to stop the Swiss and was injured in the right area of the face.

The official FIFA Ball did not help much since it has hindered many games. The ball appears to be made of products not suitable for football/soccer. I am beginning to agree with half of the Spanish and Italian team concerning the ball.