'The difference between Sweden and Switzerland? One played badly and the other worse'

Perhaps some of it was down to the pre-match confusion over which country was which. Or it could have been the empty seats at the stadium.

Then again, maybe it was just the anti-climactic way Switzerland exited the competition after all the drama and controversy of the group stage. 

Whatever, the reason, Tuesday's game failed to ignite.

And while Sweden was summarily dismissed as “modest” and “limited” in the Swiss press, it was the team in red and white that came in for the most criticism after the match.

Read also: Sweden v. Switzerland - 12 facts to tell them apart

The ‘Nati’, as the national team is known in Switzerland, was described as “harmless” by regional daily Aarguer Zeitung.

The players hadn’t “earned victory” the daily said, noting that the country had once again crashed out of the World Cup in the round of 16.

And by Tuesday evening, the soul searching was already underway. “Switzerland is missing that je ne sais quoi” said Swiss national broadcaster SRF.

Read also: Why Sweden won't be scared of England at the World Cup

The broadcaster asked: was it a lack of killer instinct? Too little cleverness? Too little talent?

For the reporters at Tages Anzeiger it was simple: “They are not as good as they think and say they are,” said the paper.

Among the fans, the overriding feeling was one of disappointment and frustration. On social media, meanwhile, there was plenty of humour.