Friday, June 18, 2010
Doing A Number On Soccer - 04.07.08 - SI Vault
Doing A Number On Soccer - 04.07.08 - SI Vault May I warn you...this Sports Illustrated article is about soccer sabermetrics.
England 0 - 0 Algeria
BBC
England's World Cup hopes hang in the balance as they were held to a disappointing draw by Algeria after a wretched display in Cape Town.
Fabio Capello's side now need to beat Slovenia on Wednesday to ensure qualification to the knockout stages.
England felt the full force of the fury of the thousands of fans who flooded Cape Town in the vain hope of seeing a performance that improved on their first draw against the United States in Rustenburg.
Instead, they were rewarded with a performance that was the worst of Capello's reign, with Algeria fully deserving the point they celebrated with such elation at the final whistle.
England looked jaded and lacking inspiration, with Algeria goalkeeper Rais M'Bolhi barely troubled apart from one sharp first-half save from Frank Lampard.
And another major worry for Capello was the desperately poor showing from the player who carries so much of England's World Cup hopes, Wayne Rooney. The Manchester United star has rarely looked so out of sorts for club or country, even struggling to keep the ball under control and wasting possession on a consistent basis.
Rooney also appeared to be struggling with a knock in the closing stages, inflicting more anxiety on Capello as he endured a nightmare on his 64th birthday.
The 24-year-old Rooney was also captured on camera responding angrily to the reaction of the England supporters as he left the field, saying "Nice to see your own fans booing you."
But Rooney could hardly have expected them to deliver resounding applause after being subjected to such torture from their team for 90 minutes.
England will be grateful to at least still have the opportunity to progress into the knockout stage, but after the thrilling meeting between Slovenia and the United States illuminated Group C only hours earlier, Capello's players succeeded only in throwing a wet blanket over this encounter.
If they do not improve against Slovenia, and there is ample room on this grim evidence, then England will be making a premature departure from the World Cup.
And as if life was not difficult enough Capello will also be forced into yet another change at the back with centre-back Jamie Carragher - in the side after injuries ruled out Rio Ferdinand and Ledley King - picking up a booking which will keep him out of Wednesday's crucial game.
As expected, Capello recalled David James in goal and dropped Robert Green, excluded after his error against the United States in England's opening game and a nervous performance in training on the eve of this meeting with Algeria.
The return of Gareth Barry was designed to give England shape and a midfield foundation - but the first half ranked with the worst served up during Capello's tenure.
Algeria, for long periods, were more comfortable in possession than England, who looked heavy-legged and lacking any spark or inspiration.
It took 29 minutes for England to test Algeria keeper Bolhi, when he fell low to clutch Steven Gerrard's shot, and he was to distinguish himself further three minutes later when he denied Frank Lampard from close range.
Capello was reduced to a frustrated, gesticulating figure in his technical area and his businesslike march to the dressing room at the interval was surely a signal that some brutal truths were about to aimed in the direction of his players.
England's efforts after the break showed no marked improvement, and Capello waited until just after the hour before he could no longer resist the temptation to make a change, sending on Shaun Wright-Phillips for the disappointing Aaron Lennon.
And with 16 minutes left and England lacking ideas, Capello removed Emile Heskey - by no means England's worst performer in this dismal show - and giving Jermain Defoe the opportunity to make an impact.
It was to no avail, and the angry reaction of England's fans at the final whistle delivered the telling verdict on this shambolic showing.
England's World Cup hopes hang in the balance as they were held to a disappointing draw by Algeria after a wretched display in Cape Town.
Fabio Capello's side now need to beat Slovenia on Wednesday to ensure qualification to the knockout stages.
England felt the full force of the fury of the thousands of fans who flooded Cape Town in the vain hope of seeing a performance that improved on their first draw against the United States in Rustenburg.
Instead, they were rewarded with a performance that was the worst of Capello's reign, with Algeria fully deserving the point they celebrated with such elation at the final whistle.
England looked jaded and lacking inspiration, with Algeria goalkeeper Rais M'Bolhi barely troubled apart from one sharp first-half save from Frank Lampard.
And another major worry for Capello was the desperately poor showing from the player who carries so much of England's World Cup hopes, Wayne Rooney. The Manchester United star has rarely looked so out of sorts for club or country, even struggling to keep the ball under control and wasting possession on a consistent basis.
Rooney also appeared to be struggling with a knock in the closing stages, inflicting more anxiety on Capello as he endured a nightmare on his 64th birthday.
The 24-year-old Rooney was also captured on camera responding angrily to the reaction of the England supporters as he left the field, saying "Nice to see your own fans booing you."
But Rooney could hardly have expected them to deliver resounding applause after being subjected to such torture from their team for 90 minutes.
England will be grateful to at least still have the opportunity to progress into the knockout stage, but after the thrilling meeting between Slovenia and the United States illuminated Group C only hours earlier, Capello's players succeeded only in throwing a wet blanket over this encounter.
If they do not improve against Slovenia, and there is ample room on this grim evidence, then England will be making a premature departure from the World Cup.
And as if life was not difficult enough Capello will also be forced into yet another change at the back with centre-back Jamie Carragher - in the side after injuries ruled out Rio Ferdinand and Ledley King - picking up a booking which will keep him out of Wednesday's crucial game.
As expected, Capello recalled David James in goal and dropped Robert Green, excluded after his error against the United States in England's opening game and a nervous performance in training on the eve of this meeting with Algeria.
The return of Gareth Barry was designed to give England shape and a midfield foundation - but the first half ranked with the worst served up during Capello's tenure.
Algeria, for long periods, were more comfortable in possession than England, who looked heavy-legged and lacking any spark or inspiration.
It took 29 minutes for England to test Algeria keeper Bolhi, when he fell low to clutch Steven Gerrard's shot, and he was to distinguish himself further three minutes later when he denied Frank Lampard from close range.
Capello was reduced to a frustrated, gesticulating figure in his technical area and his businesslike march to the dressing room at the interval was surely a signal that some brutal truths were about to aimed in the direction of his players.
England's efforts after the break showed no marked improvement, and Capello waited until just after the hour before he could no longer resist the temptation to make a change, sending on Shaun Wright-Phillips for the disappointing Aaron Lennon.
And with 16 minutes left and England lacking ideas, Capello removed Emile Heskey - by no means England's worst performer in this dismal show - and giving Jermain Defoe the opportunity to make an impact.
It was to no avail, and the angry reaction of England's fans at the final whistle delivered the telling verdict on this shambolic showing.
Slovenia 2 - 2 USA
BBC
Michael Bradley struck a dramatic late equaliser as the United States came from two goals down to draw with Slovenia in a pulsating Group C encounter in Johannesburg.
It seemed Slovenia were heading through to the last 16 when the superb Valter Birsa put them ahead with a curling effort and Zlatan Ljubijankic drilled in to double the lead shortly before half-time.
But US coach Bob Bradley made a double change at the interval and the move paid immediate dividends, Landon Donovon racing clear on the right and firing high into the roof of the net.
Slovenia were now firmly on the back foot and the US pressure finally told as Michael Bradley, the son of Bob, poked past Samir Handanovic on 82 minutes.
The Americans thought they had won it through substitute Maurice Edu's volley but the strike was harshly ruled out by referee Koman Coulibaly for an alleged pull and the US players were furious.
It was a result that leaves the group wide open ahead of England's meeting with Algeria later on Friday and the final round of matches at 1500 BST on Wednesday.
The US, who are on two points, take on Algeria in Pretoria and surprise package Slovenia, on four points, play England in Port Elizabeth.
And both sides will go into their respective games with confidence following this thriller at Ellis Park.
Fresh from beating Algeria in their opening game last Sunday, Slovenia arrived knowing a win would seal their passage to the knockout rounds - a remarkable prospect for a nation of only two million people, appearing in only its second World Cup.
But any suggestion they might be unnerved by the history that beckoned was swiftly banished as Matjaz Kek's side got off to a confident and composed start.
Well organised and hard-working, Slovenia were comfortable in possession and looked to pass and move with a minimum of touches at every opportunity.
There was a clear chemistry between their midfield and attack - Robert Koren, Birsa, Ljubijankic and Milivoje Novakovic linking beautifully - and, at times, the US were left to chase shadows.
Birsa, in particular, was troubling the US defence and the talented Auxerre winger signalled his intent with an early run and cross from the right that Novakovic narrowly failed to connect with.
Bob Bradley's men carried a fair threat of their own, but for all the impressive build-up play between Michael Bradley, Robbie Findley, Donovan, Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore, they desperately lacked a cutting edge.
The same could not be said of Slovenia, however, and they deservedly went ahead when Birsa collected possession 25 yards out and unleashed a delightful curler that Tim Howard could only watch sail into his left-hand corner.
It was one of the most eye-catching strikes of the tournament to date and appeared to fill the Slovenians with even more belief, but one of the great strengths of this US side is their never-say-die attitude and they launched a stirring response.
Jose Torres saw a stinging free-kick clawed to safety by Handanovic before Jay DeMerit looped a header wide and a Dempsey cross was poked behind by the faultless Miso Brecko with Donovan waiting to tap in.
It seemed certain the US would score from that last chance and they still appeared to be ruing their failure to do so when Slovenia launched a counter-attack and doubled their lead.
Novakovic picked up possession in plenty of space and fed Ljubijankic, who escaped the non-existent attentions of DeMerit and slotted low into Howard's bottom corner.
Bradley responded with his double switch, replacing Torres and Findley with Edu and Benny Feilhaber, and the large sections of American fans inside the ground roared their players back on to the field.
Within minutes they had pulled one back - Bostjan Cesar inexplicably missed a long ball over the top and Donovan surged into the box before slamming home - and Slovenia were on the ropes.
The US were committing increasing numbers to each attack and after Altidore lashed straight at Handanovic, the keeper again had to be alert to clasp a curling Michael Bradley drive.
With Slovenia keen to extend their advantage, the match was ebbing and flowing like few others preceding it in the tournament and the stadium was rocking with atmosphere.
In a final throw of the dice, Bob Bradley brought on a striker, Herculez Gomez, for defender, Oguchi Onyewu, and again it paid off as Michael Bradley burst from midfield and fired past Handanovic after an excellent knockdown by Altidore.
There was still time for drama - Edu's volley from Donavona's free-kick was disallowed, Novakovic went close with a header and Alexsander Radoslavljevic had a thunderous strike parried by Howard - but neither side could force a winner.
Michael Bradley struck a dramatic late equaliser as the United States came from two goals down to draw with Slovenia in a pulsating Group C encounter in Johannesburg.
It seemed Slovenia were heading through to the last 16 when the superb Valter Birsa put them ahead with a curling effort and Zlatan Ljubijankic drilled in to double the lead shortly before half-time.
But US coach Bob Bradley made a double change at the interval and the move paid immediate dividends, Landon Donovon racing clear on the right and firing high into the roof of the net.
Slovenia were now firmly on the back foot and the US pressure finally told as Michael Bradley, the son of Bob, poked past Samir Handanovic on 82 minutes.
The Americans thought they had won it through substitute Maurice Edu's volley but the strike was harshly ruled out by referee Koman Coulibaly for an alleged pull and the US players were furious.
It was a result that leaves the group wide open ahead of England's meeting with Algeria later on Friday and the final round of matches at 1500 BST on Wednesday.
The US, who are on two points, take on Algeria in Pretoria and surprise package Slovenia, on four points, play England in Port Elizabeth.
And both sides will go into their respective games with confidence following this thriller at Ellis Park.
Fresh from beating Algeria in their opening game last Sunday, Slovenia arrived knowing a win would seal their passage to the knockout rounds - a remarkable prospect for a nation of only two million people, appearing in only its second World Cup.
But any suggestion they might be unnerved by the history that beckoned was swiftly banished as Matjaz Kek's side got off to a confident and composed start.
Well organised and hard-working, Slovenia were comfortable in possession and looked to pass and move with a minimum of touches at every opportunity.
There was a clear chemistry between their midfield and attack - Robert Koren, Birsa, Ljubijankic and Milivoje Novakovic linking beautifully - and, at times, the US were left to chase shadows.
Birsa, in particular, was troubling the US defence and the talented Auxerre winger signalled his intent with an early run and cross from the right that Novakovic narrowly failed to connect with.
Bob Bradley's men carried a fair threat of their own, but for all the impressive build-up play between Michael Bradley, Robbie Findley, Donovan, Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore, they desperately lacked a cutting edge.
The same could not be said of Slovenia, however, and they deservedly went ahead when Birsa collected possession 25 yards out and unleashed a delightful curler that Tim Howard could only watch sail into his left-hand corner.
It was one of the most eye-catching strikes of the tournament to date and appeared to fill the Slovenians with even more belief, but one of the great strengths of this US side is their never-say-die attitude and they launched a stirring response.
Jose Torres saw a stinging free-kick clawed to safety by Handanovic before Jay DeMerit looped a header wide and a Dempsey cross was poked behind by the faultless Miso Brecko with Donovan waiting to tap in.
It seemed certain the US would score from that last chance and they still appeared to be ruing their failure to do so when Slovenia launched a counter-attack and doubled their lead.
Novakovic picked up possession in plenty of space and fed Ljubijankic, who escaped the non-existent attentions of DeMerit and slotted low into Howard's bottom corner.
Bradley responded with his double switch, replacing Torres and Findley with Edu and Benny Feilhaber, and the large sections of American fans inside the ground roared their players back on to the field.
Within minutes they had pulled one back - Bostjan Cesar inexplicably missed a long ball over the top and Donovan surged into the box before slamming home - and Slovenia were on the ropes.
The US were committing increasing numbers to each attack and after Altidore lashed straight at Handanovic, the keeper again had to be alert to clasp a curling Michael Bradley drive.
With Slovenia keen to extend their advantage, the match was ebbing and flowing like few others preceding it in the tournament and the stadium was rocking with atmosphere.
In a final throw of the dice, Bob Bradley brought on a striker, Herculez Gomez, for defender, Oguchi Onyewu, and again it paid off as Michael Bradley burst from midfield and fired past Handanovic after an excellent knockdown by Altidore.
There was still time for drama - Edu's volley from Donavona's free-kick was disallowed, Novakovic went close with a header and Alexsander Radoslavljevic had a thunderous strike parried by Howard - but neither side could force a winner.
Germany 0 - 1 Serbia
BBC
Serbia brought 10-man Germany crashing back down to earth with a narrow win in Port Elizabeth that blows qualification from Group D wide open.
An opening-game rout of Australia had German fans and critics predicting a run deep into the World Cup tournament, with national newspaper Bild declaring: "We're going to blow you all away".
But Serbia were always likely to prove a different proposition to a weak Australia side forced to play more than half an hour a man down, and after frontman Miroslav Klose had been harshly dismissed for two bookings in the first half, Germany failed to rally sufficiently to force an equaliser against Radomir Antic's stubborn side.
Liverpool-bound Milan Jovanovic proved the match-winner with a 35th-minute volley, but in truth the result was as much down to the Germans' poor finishing - not least from Lukas Podolski who missed a penalty amid a hatful of chances.
And referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco of Spain played no small part in influencing proceedings with a series of baffling decisions and yellow cards.
It means Germany, Serbia and Ghana all stand on three points ahead of the Africans' second group match against the Aussies on Saturday.
Germany, though, will feel aggrieved at a result that almost entirely centred around Klose's dismissal.
For the first half hour before that, in the face of a Serbian defence far more disciplined than the Australian backline had been on Sunday, Germany were patient and measured in attack, Podolski flashing a volley narrowly wide and playmaker Mesut Ozil again impressing.
But just a minute after referee Mallenco brandished a second yellow card to Klose - both for innocuous trips - Serbia grabbed what proved to be their winner.
The lively Milan Krasic produced a fine cross from the right that was nodded down by Birmingham City new-boy Nikola Zigic and slammed home from close range by Jovanovic.
Thereafter, with Serbia dropping deeper and deeper despite their numerical advantage, Germany controlled possession and had a series of chances to level the scores.
Sami Khedira slammed a vicious shot against the bar 16 yards out, while Podolski wasted two glorious passes from Ozil when he clipped the first wide and the second into the side-netting.
Neither chance was as good as the next, though, when he saw his tame penalty saved by Serbia keeper Vladimir Stojkovic after Nemanja Vidic's inexplicable handball in the box.
It was only Germany's second penalty miss in a World Cup outside of a shoot-out, their first by Uli Hoeness in 1974, and it proved crucial.
Playing on the counter, Serbia - much improved from a display against Ghana that did the talent in their side no justice - twice hit the woodwork, with Jankovic curling left-footed on to the foot of Manuel Neuer's post and Zigic heading on to the bar from another Krasic cross.
Unlike Germany, though, they were not made to rue their profligacy, seeing out a win that gives Antic's side a real chance of reaching the second round.
As for Joachim Loew's side, their first World Cup group-stage defeat since 1986 means only a victory over Ghana next Wednesday will guarantee them a place in the last 16.
Serbia brought 10-man Germany crashing back down to earth with a narrow win in Port Elizabeth that blows qualification from Group D wide open.
An opening-game rout of Australia had German fans and critics predicting a run deep into the World Cup tournament, with national newspaper Bild declaring: "We're going to blow you all away".
But Serbia were always likely to prove a different proposition to a weak Australia side forced to play more than half an hour a man down, and after frontman Miroslav Klose had been harshly dismissed for two bookings in the first half, Germany failed to rally sufficiently to force an equaliser against Radomir Antic's stubborn side.
Liverpool-bound Milan Jovanovic proved the match-winner with a 35th-minute volley, but in truth the result was as much down to the Germans' poor finishing - not least from Lukas Podolski who missed a penalty amid a hatful of chances.
And referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco of Spain played no small part in influencing proceedings with a series of baffling decisions and yellow cards.
It means Germany, Serbia and Ghana all stand on three points ahead of the Africans' second group match against the Aussies on Saturday.
Germany, though, will feel aggrieved at a result that almost entirely centred around Klose's dismissal.
For the first half hour before that, in the face of a Serbian defence far more disciplined than the Australian backline had been on Sunday, Germany were patient and measured in attack, Podolski flashing a volley narrowly wide and playmaker Mesut Ozil again impressing.
But just a minute after referee Mallenco brandished a second yellow card to Klose - both for innocuous trips - Serbia grabbed what proved to be their winner.
The lively Milan Krasic produced a fine cross from the right that was nodded down by Birmingham City new-boy Nikola Zigic and slammed home from close range by Jovanovic.
Thereafter, with Serbia dropping deeper and deeper despite their numerical advantage, Germany controlled possession and had a series of chances to level the scores.
Sami Khedira slammed a vicious shot against the bar 16 yards out, while Podolski wasted two glorious passes from Ozil when he clipped the first wide and the second into the side-netting.
Neither chance was as good as the next, though, when he saw his tame penalty saved by Serbia keeper Vladimir Stojkovic after Nemanja Vidic's inexplicable handball in the box.
It was only Germany's second penalty miss in a World Cup outside of a shoot-out, their first by Uli Hoeness in 1974, and it proved crucial.
Playing on the counter, Serbia - much improved from a display against Ghana that did the talent in their side no justice - twice hit the woodwork, with Jankovic curling left-footed on to the foot of Manuel Neuer's post and Zigic heading on to the bar from another Krasic cross.
Unlike Germany, though, they were not made to rue their profligacy, seeing out a win that gives Antic's side a real chance of reaching the second round.
As for Joachim Loew's side, their first World Cup group-stage defeat since 1986 means only a victory over Ghana next Wednesday will guarantee them a place in the last 16.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Mexico 2 - 0 France
BBC
Two second-half goals gave Mexico their first ever victory over France to leave El Tri well-placed to make the last 16 and the 2006 runners-up on the verge of elimination.
Mexico were the brighter of the two throughout but were unable to take any of their chances until just after the hour, when substitute Javier Hernandez broke the offside trap and rounded keeper Hugo Lloris before slotting home.
Another Mexican substitute, the 37-year-old Cuauhtemoc Blanco, sealed the victory from the penalty spot after a third replacement, Pablo Barrera, had been felled in the box.
It leaves Mexico level at the top of Group A with Uruguay and a draw between those two sides in their final game in Rustenburg would send France out of the tournament.
Mexico and France met in the first ever World Cup finals match in Montevideo, Uruguay in 1930, with Les Bleus cruising to a 4-1 victory, but this keenly contested encounter was never likely to reproduce such a scoreline.
Both teams showed greater endeavour than in their drawn opening games, with France in particular looking more lively, but for long periods neither possessed the cutting edge to truly punish their opponents.
The French squad is reportedly in disarray, with suggestions of a training ground bust-up between coach Raymond Domenech and midfielder Florent Malouda, who was not selected for their uninspired 0-0 draw with Uruguay, and they have been criticised by former midfielder Zinedine Zidane.
However, Malouda was recalled in place of Yoann Gourcuff in a line-up that kept faith with a world class strike-force, spearheaded by Nicolas Anelka, that has failed to register an international goal since last November.
Malouda showed rare glimpses of the form he showed throughout last season for Chelsea, forcing Mexico keeper Oscar Perez to palm over early in the second half, having earlier begun a free-kick routine straight off the training ground that saw Frank Ribery flash a drive across goal.
This was the closest Ribery would come to affecting the game from his central playmaker role and, as against Uruguay, Anelka was largely anonymous and was replaced at half-time by Andre-Pierre Gignac, who also offered little in his 45 minutes on the pitch.
Mexico's attack is exciting but too often lightweight. Their forwards missed numerous chances in their opening 1-1 draw with hosts South Africa but all three players retained their place in the side - although Arsenal striker Carlos Vela was forced off with an injury on the half hour with only one skied shot to his name.
Another member of their attacking triumvirate, Tottenham's Giovani Dos Santos, produced another lively display to match the one he produced against South Africa and, but for Patrice Evra's presence, would have been able to get greater purchase on a shot that bobbled wide just before half-time.
Mexico's chief offensive weapon in the first half was left-back Oscar Salcido, who regularly found himself in advanced positions, but his execution could not match his intent.
He had two good shooting opportunities in the first half but from the first he shot wide of the far post from 25 yards, and then saw a close-range effort blocked by France keeper Lloris after William Gallas had inexplicably backed away from Salcido's run.
The opening of the second half had seen a clear dip in quality from what had been a decent first 45 minutes, but two positive Mexican substitutes - Hernandez and Blanco - altered that, with a third, Vela's replacement Barrera, also playing a part.
In the 64th minute, Marquez chipped a ball forward from midfield, Eric Abidal played the Manchester United-bound striker onside and with the French defence static and begging for offside, Hernandez was able to advance onwards, skip round Lloris and slot into the vacated goal.
France's response was meek at best but the Mexicans, by now full of confidence, continued to press and were rewarded when Barrera was tripped and Blanco charged in from outside the box to dispatch his penalty into the right-hand corner of the net.
Two second-half goals gave Mexico their first ever victory over France to leave El Tri well-placed to make the last 16 and the 2006 runners-up on the verge of elimination.
Mexico were the brighter of the two throughout but were unable to take any of their chances until just after the hour, when substitute Javier Hernandez broke the offside trap and rounded keeper Hugo Lloris before slotting home.
Another Mexican substitute, the 37-year-old Cuauhtemoc Blanco, sealed the victory from the penalty spot after a third replacement, Pablo Barrera, had been felled in the box.
It leaves Mexico level at the top of Group A with Uruguay and a draw between those two sides in their final game in Rustenburg would send France out of the tournament.
Mexico and France met in the first ever World Cup finals match in Montevideo, Uruguay in 1930, with Les Bleus cruising to a 4-1 victory, but this keenly contested encounter was never likely to reproduce such a scoreline.
Both teams showed greater endeavour than in their drawn opening games, with France in particular looking more lively, but for long periods neither possessed the cutting edge to truly punish their opponents.
The French squad is reportedly in disarray, with suggestions of a training ground bust-up between coach Raymond Domenech and midfielder Florent Malouda, who was not selected for their uninspired 0-0 draw with Uruguay, and they have been criticised by former midfielder Zinedine Zidane.
However, Malouda was recalled in place of Yoann Gourcuff in a line-up that kept faith with a world class strike-force, spearheaded by Nicolas Anelka, that has failed to register an international goal since last November.
Malouda showed rare glimpses of the form he showed throughout last season for Chelsea, forcing Mexico keeper Oscar Perez to palm over early in the second half, having earlier begun a free-kick routine straight off the training ground that saw Frank Ribery flash a drive across goal.
This was the closest Ribery would come to affecting the game from his central playmaker role and, as against Uruguay, Anelka was largely anonymous and was replaced at half-time by Andre-Pierre Gignac, who also offered little in his 45 minutes on the pitch.
Mexico's attack is exciting but too often lightweight. Their forwards missed numerous chances in their opening 1-1 draw with hosts South Africa but all three players retained their place in the side - although Arsenal striker Carlos Vela was forced off with an injury on the half hour with only one skied shot to his name.
Another member of their attacking triumvirate, Tottenham's Giovani Dos Santos, produced another lively display to match the one he produced against South Africa and, but for Patrice Evra's presence, would have been able to get greater purchase on a shot that bobbled wide just before half-time.
Mexico's chief offensive weapon in the first half was left-back Oscar Salcido, who regularly found himself in advanced positions, but his execution could not match his intent.
He had two good shooting opportunities in the first half but from the first he shot wide of the far post from 25 yards, and then saw a close-range effort blocked by France keeper Lloris after William Gallas had inexplicably backed away from Salcido's run.
The opening of the second half had seen a clear dip in quality from what had been a decent first 45 minutes, but two positive Mexican substitutes - Hernandez and Blanco - altered that, with a third, Vela's replacement Barrera, also playing a part.
In the 64th minute, Marquez chipped a ball forward from midfield, Eric Abidal played the Manchester United-bound striker onside and with the French defence static and begging for offside, Hernandez was able to advance onwards, skip round Lloris and slot into the vacated goal.
France's response was meek at best but the Mexicans, by now full of confidence, continued to press and were rewarded when Barrera was tripped and Blanco charged in from outside the box to dispatch his penalty into the right-hand corner of the net.
Spain 0- 1 Switzrland
BBC
Switzerland struggling to get the ball out of their own half, the match came to resemble a training session.
The first real opening fell to Spain right-back Sergio Ramos, who received the ball in space on the right before dragging his shot wastefully wide, much to the anger of his better-placed team-mates Xavi and David Villa.
Moments later, Iniesta slipped a pass through to Gerard Pique, who cut inside his man before firing straight at goalkeeper Diego Benaglio.
The next attack saw David Silva chip a delightful ball over the Switzerland defence for Iniesta, who was brought down on the edge of the area as he tried to get his shot away. Villa fired the resultant free-kick straight at the wall.
The Swiss were forced into a change midway through the half when former Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos limped off with a foot injury and was replaced by Steve Von Bergen.
Lone striker Villa looked skilful and lively, but when he finally found space in the box, he opted to pass, and chipped tamely across the face of goal.
The second half began in a similar vein until the Swiss took the lead with the first real attack of the game.
A long goal-kick was flicked through to Eren Derdiyok, who bundled it past goalkeeper Iker Casillas and the falling Pique to leave former Manchester City midfielder Fernandes with a simple finish.
Spain, who won all 10 of their World Cup qualifiers, looked visibly shaken and Del Bosque responded by sending on Torres and Navas just after the hour mark.
Iniesta and Torres both curled shots wide before former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso almost broke the crossbar with a stunning strike from just outside the area.
With Spain committing more men forward, the game became stretched and Switzerland came within a whisker of taking a 2-0 lead when Derdiyok cut inside Pique and Carles Puyol before flicking a shot which had Casillas beaten but bounced back off the post.
The last 10 minutes were a predictable Spanish onslaught but, with Torres looking rusty on his return from knee surgery, Spain seemed to run out of ideas as their efforts became increasingly desperate.
As it was, Switzerland held firm for a truly memorable victory - their first in a World Cup opener since 1954.
Switzerland struggling to get the ball out of their own half, the match came to resemble a training session.
The first real opening fell to Spain right-back Sergio Ramos, who received the ball in space on the right before dragging his shot wastefully wide, much to the anger of his better-placed team-mates Xavi and David Villa.
Moments later, Iniesta slipped a pass through to Gerard Pique, who cut inside his man before firing straight at goalkeeper Diego Benaglio.
The next attack saw David Silva chip a delightful ball over the Switzerland defence for Iniesta, who was brought down on the edge of the area as he tried to get his shot away. Villa fired the resultant free-kick straight at the wall.
The Swiss were forced into a change midway through the half when former Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos limped off with a foot injury and was replaced by Steve Von Bergen.
Lone striker Villa looked skilful and lively, but when he finally found space in the box, he opted to pass, and chipped tamely across the face of goal.
The second half began in a similar vein until the Swiss took the lead with the first real attack of the game.
A long goal-kick was flicked through to Eren Derdiyok, who bundled it past goalkeeper Iker Casillas and the falling Pique to leave former Manchester City midfielder Fernandes with a simple finish.
Spain, who won all 10 of their World Cup qualifiers, looked visibly shaken and Del Bosque responded by sending on Torres and Navas just after the hour mark.
Iniesta and Torres both curled shots wide before former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso almost broke the crossbar with a stunning strike from just outside the area.
With Spain committing more men forward, the game became stretched and Switzerland came within a whisker of taking a 2-0 lead when Derdiyok cut inside Pique and Carles Puyol before flicking a shot which had Casillas beaten but bounced back off the post.
The last 10 minutes were a predictable Spanish onslaught but, with Torres looking rusty on his return from knee surgery, Spain seemed to run out of ideas as their efforts became increasingly desperate.
As it was, Switzerland held firm for a truly memorable victory - their first in a World Cup opener since 1954.
Friday, June 11, 2010
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