Switzerland 0 Honduras 0 - Switzerland head home after failing to beat minnows
Alexander Frei(credit:
Wikipedia)
Switzerland bowed out of the World Cup after failing to beat Group H minnows Honduras.
The Swiss looked in a strong position to advance to the last 16 ahead of Spain after beating the European champions 1-0 in their opening group game.
But while Spain recorded a 2-1 victory over Chile, Ottmar Hitzfeld's men were unable to find a way past Honduras.
Switzerland had chances early but Gokhan Inler dragged a shot wide and Eren Derdiyok then headed wide at the back post after Tranquillo Barnetta found him with a superbly flighted cross.
Derdiyok then wasted another decent chance before crossing to Blaise Nkufo, but his tame effort failed to trouble Noel Valladares.
David Suazo headed wide a rare goalscoring opportunity for the Hondurans before Barnetta and Derdiyok wasted further chances.
And, as they pushed forward in search of a vital goal, Edgar Alvarez almost snatched an opener for Honduras but Diego Benaglio came to Switzerland's rescue by tipping the ball over his own crossbar.
Alexander Frei failed to convert a couple of half chances and their dream was over when Stephan Lichtsteiner's shot was deflected off target.
Switzerland: Benaglio, Lichtsteiner, von Bergen, Huggel (Shaqiri 78), Barnetta, Inler, Nkufo (Frei 69), Grichting, Fernandes (Yakin 46), Ziegler, Derdiyok.
Honduras: Valladares, Chavez, Figueroa, Bernandez, Thomas, Nunez (Martinez 67), W Palacios, JN Palacios (Welcome 78), Suazo (Turcios 87), Sabillon, Alvarez.
Bookings: Fernandes (Switzerland), Chavez, Thomas, W Palacios, Suazo (Honduras)