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Swiss and Honduras out after goalless draw

BLOEMFONTEIN -Switzerland and Honduras drew 0-0 in their final Group H game with chances missed at both ends as the two sides were eliminated from the World Cup.

Despite being more physically imposing, the Swiss were very disappointing and strangely displayed a lack of zest given the high stakes while Honduras played the more attractive soccer.

The Central Americans, for whom Ramon Nunez was dangerous, opened up the much-vaunted Swiss defence often and better finishing would have seen them a goal or two up by halftime.

Honduras started well but the first chance of the game went to the Swiss when captain Gokhan Inler shot wide from just outside the penalty area in the 10^th minute.

Chances went begging at both ends. In the 38^th, Wilson Palacios raced through the middle but was dragged down by Gelson Fernandes, who earned a yellow card for his efforts.

The best chance of the half fell to Swiss striker Blaise Nkufo just before the break, who chested down a cross from Eren Derdiyok a metre from goal only for the ball to bobble away.

After the break Honduras threatened when striker David Suazo failed to put away a diving header in the 52^nd which would have given them a deserved lead.

Hakan Yakin, on for Fernandes, should have done better in the 59^th but shot tamely. Tranquillo Barnetta and Derdiyok also both wasted good chances when well-placed in the Honduran box.

Likewise at the other end, Edgard Alvarez wasted a good opportunity with only goalkeeper Diego Benaglio to beat.

Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld brought on team captain Alexander Frei for Nkufo in the 69^th minute but he could not break the deadlock as the match finished goalless.