Switzerland stunned European champions Spain in the first big upset at the World Cup with a narrow 1-0 win in the teams' Group H opener in Durban.

Despite the Spaniards dominating possession, the Swiss took a surprise lead in the 52nd minute with Gelson Fernandes firing past goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

Spain's Xabi Alonso was denied by the crossbar in the 71st minute as his team wasted a hatful of chances to restore parity. Switzerland's Eren Derdiyok struck the far post in the 75th minute but his hard-working team held on for an historic win in front of 62,000 spectators at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.