Needing to win by two goals to progress to the last 16, they had to settle for a 0-0 draw against Honduras in Group H at the Free State Stadium.

He said: "We ran and we tried to do everything to score but it wasn't enough. When you only score one goal in three matches, you don't go through.

"We had everything in our hands - we had to win tonight by two goals. That's what we tried to do, but we weren't able to do it."

Coach Ottmar Hitzfeld claimed the reason they are out is because the pressure got to the players.

He 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 (when 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 a 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 side's 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."