Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld called his team's win against Spain "a win for eternity" but it still wasn't enough for the goal-shy Swiss to reach the knockout stages at the World Cup on Friday.

After a memorable 1-0 triumph over the European champion in its opening game, Switzerland failed to make the last 16 after a forgettable 0-0 draw with Honduras in its final group game.

"The win against Spain is a win for eternity," Hitzfeld said, adamant that it had not been a wasted result. "It's an incredible achievement by a team. This match is there to stay in the memory of all fans and I am sure everyone in Switzerland."

But Switzerland failed to build on the promising start provided by Gelson Fernandes' 59th minute goal in Durban which gave it a win over one of the tournament favourites. A defensive Swiss team then slipped to a 1-0 loss to Chile and failed to score the goals it needed against a winless Honduras at Free State Stadium to ensure its progression.

"We had great ambitions for this match, Hitzfeld said. "We knew we had to win by two goals and in the end this was too much of a burden for the team. We got too nervous."

The Swiss team has scored just three goals in its past seven games and its only goal of the tournament came from a midfielder.

"You only score one goal in three matches, you don't go through," said defender Stephane Grichting.

"We had everything in our hands ... but we weren't able to do it."

Hitzfeld praised his defenders and goalkeeper Diego Benaglio, but criticised his struggling forwards for their performance against Honduras.

"We failed to deliver on our promises. We haven't met our expectations," the experienced German coach said. "What can I say? We didn't have the perseverance in difficult situations."

Switzerland has only conceded one goal across seven matches at the past two World Cups, yet has little to how for it. When asked what Switzerland needs to take the next step, Hitzfeld said "We need more strikers."

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