The European Champions Spain were stunned in their Group H opener as they were undone by Switzerland. It was a great performance from Ottman Hitzfeld’s men who gave it their all and registered an unlikely 3 points. Switzerland were organized at the back and dangerous on the counter. Ottman Hitzfeld is to be singled out for his brilliant and brave tactics.
Indeed it was impressive rear-guard action from Switzerland as they held and rebuffed Spain’s attacks throughout large spells of the game. Ottman Hitzfeld however played with two strikers up to for most of the game, only withdrawing Derdiyok in the last ten minutes of the game. The two holding midfielders, Gelson Fernandes and Gokhan Inler, exceeded in their duties to break Spanish attacks an put pressure on the midfield duo of Xavi and Iniesta. Center-back Stephane Grichting also deserves praise, as he was the rock at the back of the Switzerland defense. The two forwards did magnificently as well. Nkufo led the line well and played in his teammates every time Switzerland enjoyed a countering chance. Derdiyok was especially positive as he showed a brilliant piece of individual skill, beating both Pique and Puyol and firing a shot but only to hit the upright. It would not matter however as Switzerland were able to hold on to their one goal and go away with the three points.
Most observers will go on to wonder how Spain could have possibly slipped up on Switzerland. After all it is unquestionable that, on paper, Spain is incommensurably superior to Switzerland. Furthermore, Spain played well. They created numerous goal-scoring opportunities. Their ball movement was a smooth, accurate and as crisp as usual. One of the reasons Spain struggled to break through the Swiss defense was their lack of width. They played very narrow, which played directly into the Swiss’ hands. David Silva and Iniesta, great players they may be, play a very narrow game. As a result Spain struggled to stretch the Swiss defense. Instead it pushed Sergio Ramos and Capdevilla very far up the midfield, and thus leaving them vulnerable to the counterattacks Switzerland took advantage of during the game. The earlier inclusion of Jesus Navas would have solved this dilemma. As a matter of fact his substitution immediately gave way to dangerous cross in the box, which the Spanish forwards were unable to convert. Secondly the midfield lacked real probing and intent. Former Spain coach Luis Aragones also recognized this in a post-match comment where he mentioned the overly precautious pairing of both Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets. Indeed the Spain midfield seemed to be crying for the inclusion of Fabregas, whose directness and probing runs could have forced an opening. The real problem for Spain however was that they simply lacked the finishing touch. Pique, Villa, and Torres found themselves in goal-scoring positions but unable to convert. Xabi Alonso himself could only find the woodwork with a thunderous drive from range. Unfortunately Spain were never managed the equalizer.
Of course all this must be put back in perspective. An unfortunate result, Spain were handily beaten, but it is only a small hiccup. They are still within the chance to finish first of their group. At the very least they will be qualifying. My greatest criticism of this Spanish team is actually what they are praised the most about: their passing. The possession style of passing Spain employs is both their strength and weakness. It is only a weakness when they play against sides that sit deep against them or especially when they go a goal behind. The passing is simply too intricate an convoluted at times, moving it from side to side, back and forth until the killer ball is made to play a teammate in. The problem is that this happens after about ten or so passes. Most goals in football are scored after a quick exchange of up to three passes. Switzerland showed this with goal as it came from a goal kick which Nkufo knocked down to Derdiyok, who then broke through and squared it to Gelson Fernandes for the finish. With Spain's - too often - excessive and altogether conservative passing, it gives teams that sit deep against them time to set up and assume their defensive shape. In the mean time, the astute Ottman Hitzfeld will be going on from this level-headed, and make sure his team progress to the knockout rounds.
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