When Gelson Fernandes played for Manchester City, not many in the crowd knew he was Swiss. Well, after the goal that finally set the 2010 World Cup alight, they do now. Switzerland had never before beaten Spain but, under the direction of the great Ottmar Hitzfeld, they were far from lucky; defending with magnificent organisation and even striking the post.

Spain had enormous amounts of possession and struck the post themselves through Xabi Alonso but, as Arsenal are prone to do, failed to convert possession into chances. Spain may have been everyone’s favourites but perhaps we should not have been surprised; in 12 post-war World Cups, Spain have failed to win their opening game nine times.