Sport

Switzerland tops group

The only team not to have conceded a goal in this year's tournament

HANOVER: The fear of facing Spain in the second round of the World Cup drove Switzerland to victory on Friday. The Swiss team needed only a draw in its final group match against South Korea, but the European team managed a hard-fought 2-0 win. That was enough to give Switzerland first place in Group G and a clash against Ukraine in the next round.

"Spain would have been the more difficult opponent," midfielder Hakan Yakin admitted. "From what we have seen, they are a top team, and that's why we are happy," he added.

Against South Korea, Switzerland defender Philippe Senderos scored the first goal in the 23rd minute and butted heads with opposing defender Choi Jin-cheul at the same time.

Both players were left bloodied, with Senderos bleeding from his nose and Choi from his forehead. Both were briefly treated on the sidelines and Choi continued to play with a bandage on his head.

Senderos sidelined

In the 51st minute, Senderos dislocated his right shoulder after a collision and team doctor Rudolf Roder later revealed on Saturday that the defender would be sidelined for "at least two weeks." It is not clear whether Senderos will remain with his team for the duration of the tournament.

Striker Alexander Frei scored Switzerland's second goal in the 77th minute. The linesman had called for offside, but the referee overruled him, because the ball had been first touched by an opposing defender.

"The referee called an advantage, because the ball came from the opponent. Either you believe in it, go on and score or you come to a stop and then we would have won by just 1-0," Frei said.

Switzerland is the only World Cup team not to have conceded a goal in this year's tournament. — AP