Spain boss says Switzerland didn't deserve victory
Spain coach Vincente Del Bosque saluted Switzerland for their solid work in defence but insisted they did not deserve victory over his side in Durban.
Gelson Fernandes struck the only goal as Switzerland, executing coach Ottmar Hitzfeld’s game-plan to perfection, beat Del Bosque’s European champions 1-0 in the biggest surprise of the World Cup so far.
“They played a defensive game and tried to take advantage of any counter-attack and dead-ball situation,” said Del Bosque.
“I feel it’s an excessive prize for them considering the football they displayed.
“They did play well in defence.
“We came for the win and this time it has escaped us.”
Spain dominated possession and had numerous strikes on target, even hitting the woodwork, but failed to score.
“We tried to find solutions on our wings, putting on another striker in Fernando Torres,” added Del Bosque.
“Our football is not just to have ball possession but also find depth in our play.
“We had opportunities especially in the first half to have resolved the game.
“It’s not a good sign we send to our rivals. But we have to hit back and try to win our next two group games.”
Spain know they must beat Chile and Honduras to be assured of progressing, but Del Bosque will not change his team’s attacking style in favour of a more conservative approach.
“Each game is different,” he said. “We have arrived here playing a certain way and we will not lose our identity.
“In football you can always lose but I feel a sense of avenging this defeat.”
Hitzfeld, meanwhile, was all smiles after his team claimed their first win over Spain.
“I am fully aware that we have made history,” he said.
“This will go down in the record books.
“It’s a great feeling to start the tournament with three points against one of the biggest contenders for the title.
“These were three very unexpected points for us.”
Hitzfeld showered his team with praise.
“I am very satisfied with my team’s performance,” he said. “We wanted to focus on our defence and wait for the counter attack. If you want to play an attacking game against Spain you would lose by a big margin.”
