Swiss and Honduras bow out

Honduras' midfielder Jerry Palacios, left, fights for the ball with Switzerland's midfielder Goekhan Inler during the Group H game.

After a stunning start to their World Cup when they beat favourites Spain, Switzerland's World Cup campaign ended in meek fashion last night as they played out a scoreless draw with Honduras last night. Switzerland, needing to win by two goals to qualify for the last 16, looked short of inspiration against the dogged Central Americans, with poor finishing and stout defending ultimately depriving them of the two-goal victory they needed that would have guaranteed them a second-round spot.

They did not lack in effort, but ultimately failed to make their possession count. Chances did come their way, the first in the 11th minute when Gokhan Inler, the captain, volleyed wide after finding space. Five minutes after Inler's effort, Eren Derdiyok got himself on the end of Stephane Grichting's cross, but he headed wide, and Tranquillo Barnetta fired an effort straight into Noel Valladares, the Honduras goalkeeper.

Switzerland's best chance came three minutes before the interval when Derdiyok found his way to the byline, but Blaise Nkufo tried to control the ball rather than shoot, and the opportunity was lost as he was quickly closed down. The story at the other end was similar. With only a slim mathematical chance of progressing, Honduras looked more intent on denying the Swiss than trying to resurrect their fading hopes.

The goal-shy side, who had scored just once in their past seven matches, had plenty of possession but rarely got into a position to bother the Swiss back line. After the insipid first half, both teams came out attacking and Honduras should have got the lead after a superb cross into the box by Edgar Alvarez in the 53rd minute, but David Suazo missed a simple header. Seven minutes later, Barnetta was on target at the other end, but his shot lacked the pace to bother Valladares. The Swiss, however, kept up the pressure on the Honduras defence but lacked a cutting edge.

Honduras remained dangerous on the break though and only a stunning save from Diego Benaglio denied them a goal in the 71st minute as he tipped an Alvarez effort over the bar, and Georgie Welcome did have the ball in the back of the net, but it was disallowed for offside. Switzerland piled forward in the dying minutes but were left frustrated. * Compiled by Ahmed Rizvi Man of the match: Edgar Alvarez (Honduras)