Today’s second round of matches kicks off with Honduras facing Switzerland. The Swiss can advance with a win today if Ecuador is unable to do the business against France.
Where to watch –
For viewers in USA, this is where the match can be streamed –
English language: ESPN and WatchESPN
Spanish language: UniMás, Galavision and Univision online
Portuguese language: ESPN Deportes or ESPN Deportes+
Referee –
Nestor Pitana (Argentina)
Starting lineups –
Switzerland XI vs. Hondurus: Lichtsteiner, Benaglio, Schar, Djourou, Rodriguez; Inler, Xhaka, Behrami, Shaqiri; Mehmed, Drmic.
Hondurus XI v Switzerland: Valladares; Figueroa, Bernardez, Beckeles, J.Garcia; Palacios, Claros, B.Garcia, Espinoza; Bengtson, Costly.
Honduras –
Following two consecutive losses, Honduras’ hopes of qualifying to the next round are virtually over. Even though they can still mathematically qualify, it is out of their hands and they would be playing for mere pride today.
Switzerland –
The Swiss are still in the reckoning for a berth in the Round of 16, and a win tonight coupled with a loss for Ecuador in the other fixture today could see them through. They would be trying their best to get the 3 points, and then hoping for a slip up from Ecuador.
Statistics –
Honduras’ defense has let them down, as they have leaked in 5 goals in their 2 games, and by the looks of it, they might just let a few more in today as well against a Swiss outfit who still have something to play for.
Swiss have been purposeful, yet not very fruitful going forward. They have created an average of 15 chances per game and have attempted over 15 shots per game on goal this World Cup. However, their shot accuracy of just 43% is the main reason they just have 3 goals to show thus far.
Players to watch out for –
Bayern Munich winger Xhedran Shaqiri could take advantage of Honduras’ relatively weak defense, and could hurt them out wide, while Stoke City’s Wilson Palacios would have to deal with his threat.
Prediction –
With Switzerland still having a chance to qualify, I expect them to be at their attacking best and perhaps manage to score a few goals past Honduras’ defense.
Honduras 0-3 Switzerland
