Switzerland players see themselves as underdogs to beat Chile in their World Cup match Monday, despite their surprise victory over Spain.

Midfielder Benjamin Huggel said Friday 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 remains the most important opponent.

"We've known for a long time that the key match is Monday," von Bergen said. "Chile remains favourite for this."

Swiss logic runs that Chile, which beat Honduras 1-0 in its opener, is favoured because it 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 its World Cup qualifying group and springing the biggest surprise of the tournament so far with a defensive-minded tactical triumph over Spain.

Von Bergen is likely to continue in the team after replacing Philippe Senderos in the first half when the new recruit of Premier League club Fulham injured his right ankle. Senderos has been ruled out until at least the second round.

Hitzfeld expects to call upon captain and record scorer Alex Frei and midfielder Valon Behrami, who were given time to rest leg injuries and were not risked against Spain.

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