World Cup Player Ratings: Spain 0-1 Switzerland

SWITZERLAND

Benaglio – 8 - Made an outstanding first half block from Pique in the first period, but was otherwise not tested as much as he might have expected in the opening 45. Was busier after the interval, but again he was sound; quickly out of his goal when required, solid from crosses and quick with his reflexes.

Lichtsteiner – 7.5 - Named ‘Forest Gump’ by his team-mates because of his love of running, the right-back secured his flank fairly firmly and offered an infrequent attacking threat down the right. Stood firm after the break, getting a crucial headed touch for a cross that seemed bound for Torres.

Senderos – 7 - Had his match cruelly curtailed by injury as early as the 35th minute. The defender looked to use his physique to unsettle the Spanish forwards and had largely done a good job before sliding into a team-mate and sustaining damage to his foot.

Grichting – 8.5 - The Auxerre defender is used to playing in a rock solid club defence, and he would have felt at home in the middle of the Swiss rearguard. Excellent in the second half when the Spaniards were pouring forward, the centre-back was composed, going about his duties with authority and leading a superbly well drilled back four.

Ziegler – 6.5 - Switzerland’s only first half shot came from his boot, though it was a free kick easily stopped. Had a solid period, though he was a little unsettled by Sergio Ramos, but he was tortured in the final half hour, when Jesus Navas looked to have the better of him.

Inler – 7 - Started off in an uncertain fashion as he got used to the pace of the game, and against lesser opponents he may have had more success as he closed the ball down impressively but infrequently managed to win the ball. Still, his industry was commendable.

Gelson Fernandes – 7 - Scorer of the arguably the most famous goal in Swiss football, the Saint-Etienne midfielder was simply employed in a sitting role along with Huggel in front of the defence. Showed the instinct to get forward when it was crucial and has gone into World Cup history because of his contribution.

Huggel – 7- He was even more defensive minded than Fernandes, the Basel midfielder was camped on the edge of his penalty box for much of the game. Didn’t defend faultlessly, but the tactics employed by the Swiss side meant that mistakes were allowed for.

Barnetta – 7 - The Bayer Leverkusen man spent much of his time exercising his defensive skills, but he did manage to raid forward at times. Nearly added a second goal late on with a shot that rose over the bar.

Nkufo – 7 - Caused problems in the Spanish defence with his sheer bustling style, which helped lead to the only goal of the game. The veteran forward’s work was to be commended, even if he got little chance to seriously impose himself on this fixture.

Derdiyok – 7.5 - Not the prettiest of performances from Derdiyok, but my word was it decisive. Showing a gritty side to his game, it was his determination that proved the decisive catalyst for the goal. Hit the post with a far more cultured effort minutes later.

Substitutes

Von Bergen – 7.5 - Came on with 35 minutes on the clock to replace Senderos. Slotted into the defence seamlessly, proving an able partner beside Grichting.

Yakin – n/a - Given only 11 minutes at the end, during which time his most memorable contribution was to give away a free kick on the edge of the box.

Eggimann – n/a – Introduced in stoppage time solely to waste a few more seconds.