Honduras and Switzerland meet in the Amazon Wednesday in a déjà vu match from four years ago in South Africa. Almost four years to the day, Honduras squared off with Switzerland in the final game of group play for both teams. That match ended in a 0-0 draw and Honduras goalie Noel Valladares was extraordinary in between the pipes. Four years later, the same two teams meet again, also on the final day of group, also with a second round berth on the line.
Honduras needs a win and an Ecuador loss by three to four goals to advance to the Round of 16 for the first time in their nation’s history. The Swiss need a win and an Ecuador loss to advance out of group play for the first time in 60 years.
Switzerland’s squad is lead by Coach Ottmar Hitzfeld who likes to run a fast, up-tempo, high energy attack. Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka is one of the best players on the pitch for Switzerland and he has struggled in the tournament up until the final minutes of their last match vs. France where he scored in the 87th minute on a beautiful goal. He hopefully will be riding high on confidence going into this match with Honduras.
Honduras is led by Coach Luis Suarez (not that Luis Suarez). Suarez brings a physical style of play to the pitch that is reminiscent of Les Bleus. Carlo Costly on offense and Wilson Palacios on defense book end the strong physical presence that Honduras is known for. With Switzerland’s best defender, Steve von Bergen out for the remainder of the World Cup, look for Costly to get plenty of chances as he scored in their last match against Ecuador ending a 32 year scoreless drought for Los Catrachos.
The match will hinge on the high octane offense of Switzerland and how they are able to hold up in the heat and humidity in Manaus. They will hold the ball for long stretches of time allowing the Honduran defense to sit and wait and rest while the Swiss exert all the energy. Most of the European teams in Manaus have struggled thus far, and I anticipate more of the same with Switzerland, especially in the second half.
The game will open up later in the second half for Honduras and the tired Swiss legs will be feeling the physical toll of the extreme humidity. If Costly and Honduras can take advantage of the opportunities that the Swiss will allow, they might be able to steal the match.
Thus far, the Swiss have started poorly in the first half of both of their games in the World Cup. 3 out of their 4 goals have been scored in the final 10 minutes of the game. I anticipate the opposite in this one as the Swiss will come out hard and fast to try and push the pace and get one through early.
My Prediction: The Swiss score early and then scoreboard watch to see if France can knock off Ecuador. They will wilt in the second half under the humidity and lightning will strike twice as Honduras finds the back of the net in two consecutive games. 1-1 Draw.
A dejected Switzerland rejoices as France will beat Ecuador sending them into the Round of 16.
Betting odds courtesy of Bovada.lv:
Honduras: +1 (+215) // +650 Moneyline
Switzerland: -1 (-150) // -250 Moneyline
Draw +375
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