Sluggish Switzerland bow out

Switzerland's FIFA World Cup Group H campaign ended in disappointment as a goalless draw with Honduras allowed Spain and Chile to progress to the round of 16.

Qualification appeared the minimum of Switzerland's ambition after they beat the European champions in their opening game. But after losing their second game to Chile, Switzerland were left needing a result tonight and their draw, coupled with Spain's 2-1 defeat of the South American nation, left Ottmar Hitzfeld's side two points adrift of qualification.

Tranquillo Barnetta, in for the suspended Valon Behrami, made his presence felt twice in a flowing opening 20 minutes. The midfielder fed Gökhan Inler to pull their first chance wide in the 11th minute before Eren Derdiyok, given the nod over Alexander Frei up front, could only head wide from a deep cross by Barnetta.

The warnings were heeded by Honduras who slipped back behind the ball in numbers and played a more counterattacking style but without a cutting edge it was Switzerland who gained the initiative. Derdiyok was next to tease Reinaldo Rueda's charges, whipping a cross to the back post that Blaise Nkufo attempted to chest past Noel Valladares rather than nod in.

Honduras, who failed to score at the finals, missed a headed chance eight minutes after the break as Edgar Álvarez served David Suazo with a tempting cross only for the striker to glance wide from six metres. Hitzfeld now turned to Switzerland's record goalscorer Frei but Honduras then conjured their best chance as Álvarez skipped through only for Diego Benaglio to arc backwards and somehow claw the effort away.

At the other end, Frei volleyed frustratingly over from close range and Stephan Lichtsteiner sliced wide. Switzerland's thoughts now turn to UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying and their tough home opener with England on 7 September.