Draw eliminates Swiss, Hondurans

BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AP):

Honduras held Switzerland to a 0-0 draw in Group H of the World Cup yesterday, a result that knocked both teams out of the tournament.

The Swiss could have locked up a spot in the round of 16 with a two-goal win over Honduras, but played with little urgency or creative flair, and couldn't translate their dominance of possession into quality scoring opportunities.

Honduras, playing in their first World Cup since 1982, almost stole a win in the 71st, but Switzerland keeper Diego Benaglio denied an unmarked Edgar Alvarez with a brilliant one-handed save.

Spain and Chile finished even on six points after Spain's 2-1 win over the South Americans in the other Group H match. Switzerland finished on four, and Honduras on one.

"There is big disappointment," Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld said. "In the end, there is only the win against Spain, but we have to leave with our heads held high even if we didn't make it."

The Swiss campaign in South Africa started with a 1-0 upset win over European champion Spain, but the team then lost 1-0 to Chile, and couldn't muster a goal against winless Honduras.

Switzerland, who have conceded only one goal across seven games at the past two World Cups, had to score against Honduras. The team has struggled up front for months, netting just three goals in seven matches heading into Friday's game, and the team's inability to finish proved its downfall.

Close

Eren Derfiyok went close for the Swiss in the 17th when Tranquillo Barnetta's cross from the left found Derdiyok at the back post, but the striker headed just wide of the post.

Blaise Nkufo then had two chances just before the half. The first came in the 43rd, when a cross from Derdiyok found Nkufo at the back post, but Nkufo could only tamely chest the ball across the goal mouth. A minute later, Nkufo headed a free kick from Reto Ziegler just wide.

After a tight first half, the game opened up in the second with both teams facing elimination from the competition. Needing to score, Hitzfeld brought on Hakan Yakin at the break and striker Alexander Frei in the 69th in an attempt to liven up the Swiss attack.