Confident Swiss face Honduras hurdle

Switzerland go into their final group clash knowing a win by two clear goals against Honduras would seal a place in the last 16 of the World Cup.

The Swiss, sunk 1-0 by Chile on Monday, could also progress with a narrow win or a draw in Bloemfontein, depending on the result of Friday’s other game in Group H between Spain and Chile.

Chile have a maximum six points, with Spain and Switzerland both on three points. Honduras, appearing in only their second World Cup finals, are yet to get off the mark.

Chile have a goal difference of plus two, with Spain on plus one and the Swiss on zero.

The Swiss began the tournament in South Africa in style, shocking the European champions 1-0 in their opener before slipping to defeat to Chile.

In that game they were reduced to 10 men with coach Ottmar Hitzfeld laying the blame for midfielder Valon Behrami’s red card firmly at the door of Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal.

Hitzfeld said he would target the Honduras defence at the Free State stadium and would set his team up to play in a more attacking style than in the Spain game.

“We must present ourselves differently than we did against Spain where we knew that we would have to defend all of the match,” said Hitzfeld, one of just three coaches to win the Champions League with two different clubs.

“Honduras are a very technical side that possesses undeniable talent in attack,” said Hitzfeld.

“Players like (David) Suazo, (Roger) Espinoza, (Edgar) Alvarez or (Ramon) Nunez are very talented technically. However, their defence can sometimes be disorganised, which leaves holes in it. We must benefit from that.”

Hitzfeld refused to say what his line-up would be although he will definitely be without Behrami after his sending off.

But despite the loss of the West Ham midfielder, Hitzfeld remained upbeat about their chances.

“We still have an excellent chance of qualifying, I’m sure if we beat Honduras we’ll go through,” he said.

Switzerland, who reached the knockout phase in Germany in 2006, will be looking to all-time top goalscorer Alexander Frei to lead from the front as they go in search of the goals they need.

Captain Frei was forced to sit out the Spain win after suffering an ankle injury four hours before his team boarded the plane for South Africa but started against Chile.

Honduras themselves are not out of the reckoning mathematically speaking, although qualification for the central American minnows would be a tall order, with a goal difference of minus three.

If Chile beat Spain in Pretoria and Honduras beat Switzerland, Chile will take top spot and goal difference will decide which of the other three teams takes second place.

Following their 2-0 defeat to Spain on Monday, Honduras coach Reinaldo Rueda admitted his side were out-classed and would need to raise their game to stand a chance of a consolation win over Switzerland.

“It will be a tough match against Switzerland. They are a good side and we will need to play very well to beat them,” he said.

Honduras, whose side includes Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Wilson Palacios, are making only their second ever appearance at a World Cup finals, with their previous appearance coming in Spain in 1982.

KEY TO MATCH

Alexander Frei v Honduras defence

Switzerland will look to captain Alexander Frei, their all time-top goalscorer, to inspire them as they go in search of the goals they need to reach the World Cup knockout phase.