Gelson Fernandes' charge before the net awarded Switzerland a historic 1-0 win over Spain in the World Cup group H match here on Wednesday.

Switzerland has never beaten Spain in its past 18 attempts, managing only three draws.

Fernandes, the midfielder of France's Saint-Etienne, stunned the spectators in the 52nd minute when a long ball was flicked back by Eren Derdiyok like a blitz.

The move lured Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas to charge forward. His wrong timing left Barcelona defender Gerard Pique to clear the threat and made the man finally fall down, enabling Fernandes to slot it into the empty net.

Sergio Ramos (L) of Spain vies with Switzerland's Eren Derdiyok during the 2010 World Cup Group H match in Durban, South Africa, June 16, 2010.

The feat put a sudden end to The Iberians' run of 12 consecutive wins as they had been approaching their best series of 15 wins which was abruptly stopped by the United States in the Confederations Cup semifinal last year.

Swiss coach Ottmar Hitzfeld said at a post-match press conference that "I am fully aware that we have made history, the first time to win against Spain."

"First of all, it is a great feeling to get into the tournament in this way, beating one of the biggest title contenders. There are unexpected points, but we had strong performance. It's great satisfaction and precisely what we need," added Hitzfeld.

"You definitely need a bit of luck to beat a team like Spain, but we started very concentratedly," he added.

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