Switzerland might have not looked their best throughout most of the World Cup to this point, but they might be able to take advantage of Honduras' lack of defense and get a win. They cannot simply win, they must win comfortably. They are at the mercy of goal differentials and and must get up multiple goals if they hope to see the next round of play.
Switzerland is dealing with the loss of Steve Von Bergen who was injured after being hit in the face. He is expected to miss the remainder of the tournament. That puts the team short at centerback. It is expected that either Fabian Schar or Philippe Senderos will replace him against Honduras, but losing the veteran is a big setback for the Swiss. The team needs those centerbacks to be productive if they are going to slow down the aerial threat Switzerland is capable of. Not having an elite defender on the field could make that tough.
In order for Honduras to advance, they must win in comfortable fashion. A one-goal victory might not be enough. If the team can put up two scores against Switzerland than they are safe. If not, they must hope that France gets the best Ecuador in their match. If they win, it would be their first World Cup game victory in nine attempts.
Honduras got positive news prior to the match. Coach Luis Fernando Suarez noted that midfielder Wilson Palacios will be back after he received a double booking during the team's opening match against France. Palacios will be inserted back into the starting lineup. Despite the one change, the rest of the lineup will remain the same. Suarez intends to keep what is working on the field at all times. Carlo Costly and Jerry Bengtson will be at the top in order to help Honduras get some offensive firepower.
A lot is on the line for both Honduras and Switzerland as they face off to advance out of Group E on Wednesday. All four teams do not know their fate yet when it comes to advancing to the knockout stages. France looks to have secured their spot, but Honduras, Ecuador and Switzerland are all fighting for position with one game left. Three points is all it takes to move on as neither of the three other teams have been mathematically eliminated just yet.
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