Swiss crash out after draw
Posted: Jun 25 2010
A World Cup that started so brightly for Switzerland came to a tame end as Ottmar Hitzfeld’s side failed to find a way past Honduras at the Free State Stadium.
The pattern of the game proved unfamiliar territory for Hitzfeld's side at this World Cup, dictating the pace of the game instead of sitting and opting to hit the opposition on the counterattack.
Indeed, as they upped their attacking effort in the second half, the Swiss were fortunate not to succumb to a sucker punch from Reinaldo Rueda’s plucky outfit, who frustratingly lacked the finishing touch to find their first goal of the finals, despite some excellent attacking play.
The Swiss dominated a largely forgettable first half and captain Gokhan Inler, the heartbeat of Hitzfeld's team and the fulcrum of their creative impetus in midfield, could have provided them with a lead ten minutes in after a neat one-two with Tranquillo Barnetta presented him with a chance on the edge of the box, but he dragged his effort wide.
Barnetta switched wings to great effect and regularly had los Catrachos on the back foot and provided Eren Derdiyok with a wonderful opportunity to head the Swiss in front, but his downward header at the back post was marginally wide.
Blaise Nkufo finished the half with two glorious chances to head Switzerland in front. Firstly, with three minutes remaining, he bizarrely opted to chest Derdiyok's cross, and then another back-post delivery gave him a free header which he failed to get on target.
After the interval the game opened up considerably as both sides showed an improved attacking intent.
David Suazo had a glorious chance to give Honduras a lead, but somehow managed to direct his header from eight yards off target with the goal at his mercy after a marvellous cross from Edgar Alvarez.
Then midway through the half Suazo returned the favour playing Alvarez in and from 15 yards; the 30-year-old did everything right, but Diego Benaglio tipped over with a stunning close-range reflex save.
Switzerland continued to probe but without really troubling Noel Valladares and then, in the dying minutes, substitute Danilo Turcios produced a glaring close-range gaffe, failing to get even the slightest touch on a ball that would have given his side a deserved three points.
In the end a disappointing early exit for the Swiss after beating Spain in the opener. They join Honduras on their way home from South Africa, while Spain and Chile fulfil Group H expectations.
46
Comment on this article:
TERMS OF USE: The comments posted below do not reflect the views of KickOff.com. Users are reminded that no misuse of this comment facility will be tolerated. Any abusive, racist or inflammatory comments will be deleted and the user banned. Please report abusive posts to editor@kickoff.com