After all that great ball control by Spain, the goal was scored in a moment where the players lost all control. It was unscripted, it was fluky, and it was enough for Switzerland to win their first match against Spain in 19 attempts.
Eren Derdiyok heads a punted ball towards Blaise Nkufo and turns towards the box. Nkufo’s return pass hits Derdiyok on the thigh and it springs forward. The Swiss strike charges ahead with speed with Fernandes running parallel on the left. Ahead of them are Pique and Casillas.
The Spanish goalie comes rushing out and both players collide with Derdiyok going cartwheeling through the air and as he comes down, his leg catches Pique on the face and he too tumbles to the ground.
The ball deflects of Pique and comes towards Fernanedes whose first attempt is
is blocked by the prostate Pique but as the ball comes loose the Swiss winger following up pounces on it and makes no mistake. Busquets arriving too late and too out of position to effect any sort of goal line save.
Pique lies on the ground dazed with a gash on the side of his face. Derdiyok looking back to see the ball go into net then turns prone onto his face and lays there motionless, winded by the fall.
Derdiyok almost scored another one this time singlehandedly taking on the Spanish defenders but his flick was unfortunately met by the upright.
For a full report, here is James Sherrett >>