Spain shocked by the Swiss

The shock of the opening round of this year’s World Cup happened in Group H. Spain World cup betting odds has them down as favourites to lift the trophy, but they lost their opening match against Switzerland 1-0.

Ex Manchester City midfielder Gelson Fernandes scored a scrappy 52nd minute winner to give his Swiss team the three points over European Champions Spain. Despite dominating possession throughout the match, Spain couldn’t find a way past a resolute and organised Swiss defence.

Vincente del Bosque will have to lift his squad before Spain look to bounce back against Honduras in Johannesburg. Wins over Honduras and Chile in the remaining group games will be needed for Spain to qualify for the second round. With Chile winning against Honduras, the pressure is really on for Spain to gain six points from the two games.

Many Portugal World cup betting pundits are already suggestion that the Spanish might not make it and if they suffer a negative result in their next game, many might start thinking the same.

Looking ahead for them, the strength in depth was evident on the bench, with Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas unable to make the starting line up. Torres will be expected to start the next games, with Spain looking for a more attacking threat alongside David Villa.

Villa looked a little isolated playing as the lone striker against Switzerland. With a midfield full of creative flair, goals will come from one of the best strike forces in the World Cup if Torres plays. Del Bosque will be confident his team can still progress.

The loss was only del Bosque’s second during his time in charge of the national side. Spain have been perpetual World Cup underachievers, with a best placed finish of just 4th in 1950 and will see this as their best chance of to improve that fact.