Spain Loses Again In South Africa
Not even a year has passed since Spain lost a match for the first time since 2007. This sad moment happened on June 24 in the 2009 Confederations Cup held in South Africa, where the European title holders Spain strangely went down 2-0 against the United States in the semifinal of the tournament.
That day, history was made not only for USA, but also for the South Africans, whose land had witnessed the “downfall” of Europe’s biggest team. Spain finished 3rd in that competition after beating the hosts in the third-place final on extra time; but just as they thought they could rebuild their 2007-09 unbeaten run afterward, they experienced an upset in their first 2010 FIFA World Cup encounter.
In the 2010 World Cup
Spain met Switzerland, FIFA’s homeland, on the afternoon of June 16 in Durban. The world was looking ahead to a victory for the favorites, but in spite of a beautiful first-half performance from La Roja, Del Bosque’s fighters were unable to take the lead.
In the second half, Spain’s defense proved to be somewhat unstable, and the backline’s failure to contain the Swiss gave Gelson Fernandes the chance to tap-in a goal at the disappointment of Iker Casillas and Gerard Pique. Regardless of Spain’s attacks subsequently, the match ended 1-0 for Switzerland, and after 95 minutes, Spain realized that they had just lost their first game since last summer. Ironically, Spain’s two losses since 2007 took place in South Africa.
Spain's 2010 World Cup Challenge: Breaking The Curse
Spain have absolutely no choice other than to break the curse which is preventing them from dazzling on South African soil. Their fans are probably anticipating a positive comeback in the 2010 FIFA World Cup’s match-day 2, but Coach Del Bosque will need to think and act fast so as to rescue his national side in the tournament.
La Roja’s 1-0 defeat to Switzerland was certainly not predicted by many analysts, principally considering Spain’s talent in the game; but the Swiss team made the impossible, and hence, there is nothing the champions can do, except from progressing and staying on their feet in their match on the next occasion.
Spain’s next game will be against Honduras, and with the CONCACAF side having lost 1-0 against Chile earlier in the day, the situation is expected to get harder for the Spanish. Nonetheless, unlike Australia who were attacked for their poor display, Spain will rather be questioned by their supporters for their failure to score after wonderful moves and passes.
Well, each side might have his weaknesses, and in Spain’s case, it looks more like the doors to the production of goals have been locked to them. Perhaps next time by be a better moment for them, yet, they need to correct their faults quick, before Honduras force them to suffer an early exit from the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
