Online betting players are gearing up for an interesting conclusion to Group H, where Honduras and Switzerland will clash in their Round 1 finales. Both teams have had problems finding the back of the net so far in South Africa, and World Cup Betting players should bank on a draw on Friday.
What: World Cup Betting
When: Friday, June 25th, 2:30 PM ET
Where: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Key Stats: This is the first meeting for these two sides
The Storyline
The Swiss have everything to play for as they’re tied on three points with Spain in Group H, and not only do they need someone to Spain to lose, they need to improve their goal difference, which is currently at 0, while Spain is at +1. Honduras can make it with a big win, and a Spain loss, but it’s not very likely as they have yet to score.
Who Has The Pick On Offense: Honduras Switzerland Betting
The Hondurans have been toothless throughout the World Cup so far, failing to get many good scoring chances and settling for shots from the perimeter. Midfielder Ramon Nunez has been trying to push the team forward, but they were rolled over in a 2-0 loss to Spain and spent most of the match trying to chase the likes of Xavi around the field. Captain Amado Guevera, at 34 years old, looks like he’s off the pace a bit.
The Swiss attack has been hurt by Alexander Frei, whose injured ankle allowed him to play just 42 minutes in a 1-0 loss to Chile, and 33-year-old midfielder Hakan Yakin is coming off the bench now. Eren Derdiyok and Gelson Fernandes, who scored the match-winner against Spain, are a young duo who should lead the Swiss into Brazil 2014, but they’re too green right now.
Pick: Draw
Who Has The Pick In Defense: Honduras Switzerland Betting
It’s not fair to say that Honduras was embarrassed by Spain, but they had no business being on the pitch with them. The defense constantly lost track of David Villa, who scored twice and had a number of other chances, and the midfield had no idea how to cut off Xavi, who ran the middle of the field for Spain. Honduras’ weak spot before coming to South Africa was the back of the team, but they were exposed by Spain and Chile.
Switzerland set a World Cup record of 557 shutout minutes before Chile scored on them, but they battled gamely after midfielder Valon Behrami was sent off after 31 with a harsh red card. The Swiss were also missing defender Phillipe Senderos, who like Frei, has an ailing ankle and he may miss the rest of the World Cup, however long that will be for Switzerland. Still, the Swiss are an organized and disciplined group at the back, and that’s the reason that they’re even in this position.
Pick: Switzerland
Notable Injuries – Honduras Switzerland Betting
Wilson Palacio (muscular) has been playing through an injury, but he hasn’t been effective, and the same goes for David Sauzo (thigh).
Senderos (ankle) is definitely out, while Frei (ankle) probably won’t play a part as well.
Pick: Draw
Totals – Honduras Switzerland Betting
With the problems these two have been having when it comes to scoring goal, any more than two in this match would be a massive surprise.
Pick: Under 2.5
Honduras Switzerland Sports betting & Outlook
Switzerland is a -200 sports betting favorite in their first meeting with Honduras, who comes in at +550, and a draw is rated at +300. Neither team is able to sit back in this match, but we’re not even sure that either has the weapons to score. With the exception of Senderos, the important injuries for both teams have come from their attacking players, which doesn’t leave much else on the bench. A draw is the smart sports betting play here, and both need a lot of help in the Spain-Chile game to make it to the next round.
Bet World Cup: Draw +300