Honduras gave a good account of themselves by putting up a good defense and working vigorously to avoid humiliation. Reynaldo Rueda’s men certainly felt that too much was need from them to get onto the next stage.
So if Friday night’s match was their last in South Africa, it was worth proving to the world that they are capable of doing one thing: send Spain’s giant killers home. Even then, the Swiss were fortunate not to concede a goal. If Los Catrachos’ front men were more accurate, Switzerland’s damage would have been worse.
Actually, chances were there for Ottmar Hitzfeld’s men to create a positive result. It was frustrating for Swiss fans to see the team ignoring the counterattacking game plan despite dominating.
At least, Gokhan Inler should have done better than firing wide four minutes before the hour mark following an impressive one-two movement with Barnetta.
Blaise Nkufo would also have to blame himself for wasting two clear chances on goal. Meanwhile, Derdiyok may curse luck as his downward header just missed the target.
Ottmar Hitzfeld and his men are surely disgusted. The match against Honduras was one that they had to win at all cost. When will the Swiss solve their goal scoring problem?
