Spain's loss re-establishes favourites question

Spain have left themselves with a mountain to climb after their initial tag as favourites for this World Cup was blasted yesterday with their minimal loss against Switzerland. There have been teams who have lost the opening game and reached the final, namely Germany in 1982 and Italy in 1994 but never has the first game loser won the competition.

The number 48 looks like to be in vogue this year with Chile securing their first World Cup win since 1962 and Spain losing their first game after 48 matches unbeaten. Can Slovakia make the final? Very much in doubt.

This has also been the World Cup with by far the fewest goals in the first 16 games at just 25 when compared to the all time low of 36 in 1986. Defences have dominated proceedings and it was only one game which produced four goals.

There has also been much controversy on the dreaded Vuvuzela which has invaded the grounds and which looks like being here to stay. The Jubalani ball is also a cause for discussion with several players claiming it flies in the air and is too prone to excessive bounce.

And for the first time since the World Cup began in 1930, it looks like the host team will be going out of the tournament in the first round. Uruguay’s 3-0 defeat of South Africa leaves the Bafana Bafana with just the merest chance of making it to the second round.