Switzerland pay price for tame draw

Switzerland 0 Honduras

The dream is over for Switzerland after they failed to build on their superb victory against European champions Spain in their opening game. Coach Ottmar Hitzfeld knew if his side achieved a two-goal win in this Group H match they would progress to the last 16.

However, they were toothless and had to settle for a point against Honduras, who are also going home after failing to find the target in the tournament. "We are very disappointed, not just me, the players, everybody," said the German-born Hitzfeld.

"We had great ambitions for this match but it was too much of a burden and it got more so during the game. We haven't lived up to our expectations. It is a huge disappointment for me. We failed to deliver because we had too much pressure. We didn't have the stamina and we didn't have the perseverance."

The heartache of his players was clear to see on the final whistle as they sprawled on the pitch with disappointment etched on their faces. Honduras exit with a point after their best performance in three games.

Switzerland carved out the first chance of the match in the 10th minute but Gokhan Inler dragged his shot wide. Seven minutes later Tranquillo Barnetta floated in a superb cross to the back post, only for Eren Derdiyok to stray offside and head his effort wide. Honduras were again pegged back in the 42nd minute and Derdiyok delivered the ball into the area; Blaise Nkufo found himself in the clear, only to get a poor touch and the chance was lost.

Honduras should have taken the lead in the 54th minute but somehow David Suazo managed to find the wrong side of the post with a header after a cross from Edgar Alvarez.

Barnetta then raced into the area after 60 minutes but Valladares was able to make a block before Derdiyok sent a shot into the arms of the goalkeeper. Honduras launched a swift counter attack in the 71st minute when Suazo released Alvarez but goalkeeper Diego Benaglio reacted superbly to push his effort over the top, ensuring that the contest finished goalless.

Switzerland (4-4-2): Benaglio; Grichting, Von Bergen, Lichtsteiner, Ziegler; Barnetta, Inler, Huggel, Fernandes; Frei, Nkufo

Honduras (4-4-2): Valladares; Mendoza, Chavez, Figueroa, Izaguirre; Alvarez, Palacios, Guevara, Espinoza, Pavon, Suazo.

Referee H Baldassi (Argentina).