Sabkush Sports :Hitzfeld: Pressure was too muchff

Sabkush Sports :Hitzfeld: Pressure was too muchffHitzfeld: Pressure was too muchff

Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld claimed the reason they were knocked out of the FIFA World Cupâ„¢ was because the pressure got to the players. Hitzfelds side knew a two-goal victory against Honduras at the Free State Stadium would have sealed a place in the last 16. Instead they had to settle for a point from a 0-0 draw and Spain and Chile both now go through. Hitzfeld said: "Everyone is very disappointed as we had great ambition. We knew what we needed to do and I felt that was too much of a burden for the players. "We got more nervous as the game wore on and were not accurate enough with our passes. We had some opportunities but we were not good enough going forward. We failed to deliver our promises after a sensational win over Spain, although we were disadvantaged against Chile [Valon Behrami was sent off]. If we had taken a point from that game we would have gone through." Honduras are also heading home but at least they have the consolation of taking a point in the tournament. They almost claimed victory in the 71st minute when Edgar Alvarez got on the end of a cross from David Suazo but goalkeeper Diego Benaglio reacted superbly to push his effort over the top. Colombian coach Reinaldo Rueda was pleased with his sides attitude after two defeats. He said: "The players recognised the importance of the game and showed their courage. It is a shame we did not display our skills earlier. It was a very tense match as Switzerland had a lot to play for. When the game did open up we showed a lack of maturity in our game." Goalkeeper Noel Valladares added: "I think we can have peace of mind as we gave everything. I thought we looked more self-assured in this match than the other two."