VANDERBIJLPARK, South Africa (AP) — Switzerland players see themselves as underdogs to beat Chile in their World Cup match on Monday, despite their surprise victory over Spain.

Midfielder Benjamin Huggel said yesterday the underdog tag provides a positive state of mind encouraged by coach Ottmar Hitzfeld.

“We love the role of ‘the favourites’ nightmare,”‘ Huggel said. “Ottmar Hitzfeld convinced us that we could give any team problems.”

Monday’s game in Port Elizabeth had been expected to decide who would reach the second round as runner-up behind tournament favourite Spain.

But Switzerland’s 1-0 win Wednesday has upset Group H calculations, though defender Steve von Bergen says Chile remain the most important opponent.

“We’ve known for a long time that the key match is Monday,” von Bergen said. “Chile remain favourite for this.”

Swiss logic runs that Chile, who beat Honduras 1-0 in their opener, are favoured because they reached the World Cup by finishing second in South American qualification behind Brazil.

“When you find yourself in this group… Switzerland can only come in third position,” von Bergen said.

Such wily modesty is typical of Hitzfeld’s style during his two-year reign, despite Switzerland winning their World Cup qualifying group and springing one of the biggest surprise of the tournament so far with a defensive-minded tactical triumph over Spain.