World Cup 2010, Switzerland Vs. Honduras Preview: Testing The Swiss' Next Gear

Switzerland has played their two most difficult matches in Group H, but in a position where they not only have to win but, in all likelihood, has to score goals, the Swiss have yet to prove they can get the result needed to advance. That result would require them to find goals, and to this point in the tournament, the only goal they've scored was off a chaotic counterattack against Spain.

The forwards at Switzerland's disposal - Frei, N'fuko, Deirdiyok - have goals in them, but having to play a different style of game if they are to advance into the knockout rounds, it remains to be seen whether the Swiss can switch gears.

Switzerland, Going Forward: Switzerland has the talent to be dangerous going forward, but to this point in the tournament they have not had the desire. Part of that is the opposition. They've played Spain and Chile. Part of that is style, though, as Switzerland are more comfortable playing a controlled style rather than chasing a match.

They will have to chase, to a certain extent, against Honduras, as they need a two goal win. That assumes Spain beats Chile, something the Swiss have to plan around. The Swiss could get through with a one goal win if Spain puts up a multi-goal victory on Chile, but as it concerns Ottmar Hitzfeld's plans, the Swiss manager has to think two goals will be needed.

That means more aggression out of the midfield from Gelson Fernandes and Tranquillo Barnetta, and it means getting a bigger game from Alexandre Frei. The captain made his return in the Chile match, but because of Valon Behrami's red card, he wasn't able to do much. In this match, he will be crucial. A good match from him can take the Swiss from steady to dangerous, but it through his scoring goals or allowing Blaise N'fuko room to make an impact.

Honduras, Going Forward: Honduras has two shots on goal in 180 minutes and even fewer legitimate scoring chances. With 36-year-old Carlos Pavón showing his age, David Suazo possibly short on fitness, and Carlo Costly not even in the team, Honduras's strike force is depleted. They do have Walter Martínez, who has been good for one goal in three during his career, and Amado Guevara has 29 goals for the Catarachos. But these are not Honduras's planned, primary goal scorers, and against a Switzerland defense that just had its 580 minute World Cup scoreless streak snapped, Honduras's path to goal is unclear.

How The Match Turns: If Switzerland does not come out with a sense of urgency, they will allow Honduras to gain a measure of the match, making it more difficult to break down the Catarachos. Switzerland needs two goals, has only scored one in the tournament, and may find it difficult, even against a weakened Honduras, to get their result.