Hitzfeld's last stand

Ottmar Hitzfeld still looks a little wiry. His legs are a little stringy, his frame upright and his face pinched with tension. Aside from his somewhat grayer hair and a few more years, 65 to be precise, Hitzfeld has hardly changed. His attentive manner during training remains.

With his arms crossed, Switzerland's coach watches his team work on their shooting in a small area. Perhaps, after their 5-2 defeat to France, they're in need of some practice.

That thrashing by the French appears to still be in the Swiss' minds. Training is a muted affair. Not much is said, but some crunching tackles are thrown in. It's an open training session in the small stadium of Porto Seguro, but not many have come.

There are three photographers, one cameraman, a handful of journalists and about 30 fans. Two weeks ago and around 30 kilometers north of Switzerland's training ground, Germany's open session hauled in 500 fans and media representatives.

Sixth best in the world, but little attention

Interest in the Swiss national team isn't at an all-time high, but they are sixth in the current FIFA World rankings. After a strong qualifying campaign, Switzerland are ahead of footballing giants Italy, England, Netherlands and France in those rankings, but have perhaps yet to receive the recognition they deserve.

Their players aren't famous enough, their chances of a successful tournament too small, their role an outside one. Many see it that way, apart from of course the Swiss.

Max Kern has been a national team reporter for Swiss newspaper "Blick" since 1996 and he believes that not only will the Swiss get a win against Honduras in their final group game, but that they'll progress past the first knockout round, should things go to plan. "Hitzfeld has the ability to get the team back into form after such a bitter defeat," said Kern.

Hitzfeld believes in his team

Hitzfeld isn't just the star, but also Switzerland's hope bearer. The likes of Xherdan Shaqiri, Valon Behrami and Stephan Lichtsteiner all look exhausted from a long season, according to Kern, but Hitzfeld believes in his players. "Of course the team were extremely disappointed after conceding five goals against France," said Hitzfeld at his press conference, where he sat alone to protect his players, to put himself in their place, according to him.

"I trust the team to digest this. I am confident that despite the big defeat, we can beat Honduras. Our goal is to make the knockout stages. After that, the pressure is on the others." Throwing a glance in the future is typical Hitzfeld. Nevertheless, he warned that on Wednesday in Manaus, Switzerland's tournament could be over, as well as Hitzfeld's managerial career.

Not yet the end

Hitzfeld wants to resign as Switzerland manager after the World Cup, thus ending his marvelous managerial career in the process. In charge of Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, Hitzfeld won the Champions League and a total of seven Bundesliga titles. Hitzfeld is the second most decorated German club manager behind only Udo Lattek. In terms of points per game, Hitzfeld is the most successful Bundesliga manager of all time (average of 1.98 points per game).

And all of that could come to a sweltering end in the humidity of the Amazon, Hitzfeld was reminded by a Swiss journalist.

"It's new for me. I haven't really thought about it. I imagine this won't be my last game," said a confident Hitzfeld. He isn't quite ready to let go of the managerial job yet. Now it's up to his players to return the favor.