Leander Schaerlaeckens

Breaking down the Swiss Stunner

Leander Schaerlaeckens
Switzerland's impossible win against Spain will be heard 'round the world. After failing to convert on boatloads of chances, the Spanish failed to win for the first time in eight World Cup group games. Here are the factors that decided the game:

Grades:

Diego Benaglio, Switzerland: A

The Swiss goalkeeper withstood an unbelievable barrage of shots, 24 in all, eight of them on target, with grace and a coolness that belied the pressure he was under. Switzerland owes two of its three points to his performance, because its defensive work was far from stellar elsewhere on the field.

Andres Iniesta, Spain: C

Spending more time accumulating free kicks than playing his teammates into space, the whimsical Spanish playmaker was out of sorts. While Xavi did have a decent game, the Spanish midfield engine of Xavi and Iniesta didn't function at its best. Iniesta came off in the 77th minute and might have picked up a slight injury -- more pain for Spain. 

Gelson Fernandes, Switzerland: B+

The former Manchester City holding midfielder frustrated the Spanish buildup play. His tenacity also helped Switzerland secure the winner after teammate Eren Derdiyok did considerable preparatory work.

Howard Webb, referee: D

The British ref, who's been accused of poor work before, was inconsistent. In the first half, the Spanish had only to drop to the ground to get a call -- something that had not escaped Iniesta. In the second, anything short of amputation wouldn't have gotten Spain a call.

Eren Derdiyok: A-

The 22-year-old Switzerland striker, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, was involved in every bit of offense that Switzerland managed to muster. In addition to setting up the winner by tearing through Spain's defense, he came close to getting a second, hitting the post on a clever play in the box.

Excitement: B+

While this game started as tediously as any other in this tournament, its second-half finale will spark off highlight reels. The World Cup needed this shot of adrenaline.