Switzerland has key players primed to peak at World Cup
Switzerland can look forward to the World Cup with a mostly settled team at a prime age.
Minutes after earning qualification in November, Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic was talking up his team's chances in Russia.
"We don't really set limits for us," Petkovic said after a playoff victory over Northern Ireland. "It could be even to the final."
Then came a tricky draw. Switzerland plays Brazil, the most impressive team in qualifying; Serbia, probably the toughest fourth-seeded team in the tournament; and then Costa Rica, the surprise 2014 quarterfinalists.
If Switzerland was eliminated with two losses before the second weekend even kicked off, it would not be a surprise.
Still, Petkovic can be optimistic, calling on a core of players in their mid-20s with more than 50 national team appearances each.
A possible lineup in Switzerland's opener on June 17 could include nine players who started its last World Cup game four years ago — a 1-0 extra time loss to Argentina in the last 16.
There is tournament experience throughout the Swiss squad, and some interesting World Cup newcomers.
Here are some key issues ahead of this year's World Cup:
CENTER FORWARD
Without a reliable and ruthless source of goals, Switzerland has not won a knockout game at any of its six World Cups or European Championships since 2004.
Haris Seferovic could be the team's main hope to fill that role in Russia.
Seferovic has scored 11 goals in 47 appearances ahead of Friday's friendly at Greece. However, a poor showing in the second leg of the playoffs against Northern Ireland provoked boos from home fans in Basel when the Benfica forward was substituted. He is now out of favor at his club.
A standout Champions League game for Basel against Benfica this season launched Dimitri Oberlin's claim for selection. The 20-year-old Oberlin, who has speed and raw technical skills, should make his debut in Greece.
Josip Drmic was set to be Petkovic's best option at Euro 2016 until a knee injury ruled his out. The Borussia Moenchengladbach player is now back in the squad.
Breel Embolo looks to be the most talented option. Born in Cameroon like Oberlin, the 21year-old Embolo has also been injured since joining Schalke after Switzerland's Euro 2016 exit on penalties.
The selection issue might not be resolved until June. Whoever wins should look to Xherdan Shaqiri and Admir Mehmedi to supply the chances.
MIDFIELD
Barring injury, the midfield trio should be Valon Behrami, Granit Xhaka and Blerim Dzemaili.
Behrami is heading to his fourth straight World Cup with a vital role as a calming statesman of the squad. He is also now one half of a celebrity Swiss sporting couple, after Olympic skier Lara Gut announced their relationship on her Facebook page this month.
CENTRAL DEFENSE
The fullback roles are locked down for Stephan Lichtsteiner and Ricardo Rodriguez. The 34year-old Lichtsteiner, who plays for Juventus, also started when Switzerland opened its 2010 World Cup group by beating eventual champion Spain 1-0.