Switzerland
Switzerland haven’t won a knockout tie at a major tournament since the 1938 World Cup, before the group stage was invented – and even then, they needed a replay. Will this finally be the year?
After hovering around FIFA’S top 10 for a decade, the Swiss could use a good Euro 2020 display to silence sceptics who accused them of gaming the rankings system prior to its 2018 revamp. They did make it to the last 16 of both Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup, before losing to two beatable sides in Poland and Sweden, and they reached the inaugural Nations League Finals ahead of Belgium. However, the moderate success of those showings and this latest qualification was tempered in 2020 by a run of seven winless games.
That sequence did include two draws against Germany and one with Spain – enough to lead Switzerland’s self- assured coach, Vladimir Petkovic, to declare last
December: “We don’t need to be scared of anybody.” A winning March boosted confidence further, though one- goal victories at home to Lithuania and Finland shouldn’t raise expectations too high.
Stephan Lichtsteiner’s retirement has left big holes in leadership, defence and attack, where his tireless runs would spark some of the few chances that Switzerland muster. A consistent backline, led by the relentless Ricardo Rodriguez, should at least limit opponents’ chances.
There’s also a new generation, looking to emulate Switzerland’s 2009 Under- 17 World Cup winners by providing the Nati’s heart for years to come. Rangers striker Cedric Itten, described as “patient and superb” by Gers boss Steven Gerrard, made his debut in the penultimate game of qualifying, and what a debut: he came off the bench to score the only goal in a crucial away win over Georgia, which kept the Swiss in command of their group. He’ll likely be an impact sub, although his status as Switzerland’s top goalscorer in qualifying – having played 110 minutes – suggests they can’t afford to be choosy.
With Itten as well as Xherdan Shaqiri, Breel Embolo, Mario Gavranovic and Haris Seferovic, the hot- and- cold Benfica striker, Switzerland have forwards who can score goals but all too often don’t. Their Group A opponents let in 13 goals in a total of 28 qualifying games. The Swiss can dream of a first ever knockout- stage win, but they’ll have to cobble together an attack first.
THE SWISS FORW ARDS
CAN SCORE – BUT ALL TOO OFTEN THEY DON’T
LESSON FROM QUALIFYING
Play for the full 90 minutes. Three times in eight qualifying matches, Switzerland gave up goals in the 84th minute or later that took points off the final haul, including an epic three- goal meltdown against Denmark in the final six minutes.
STRENGTHS
The midfield is anchored by Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka. Despite the occasional defensive lapse, Xhaka ( left) is a steadying presence who improves the play of his team- mates. Yes, really. And alongside him is Shaqiri, who does range from total disinterest to trying to carry the team by himself – often all in one half – but offers nothing short of magic when he’s on it.
WEAKNESSES
Actual goals will be at a premium. More than half of their goals in the qualifying campaign came against Gibraltar.
MOST LIKELY TO...
Ignite a Balkan War. Many of their players have family ties to various Balkan nations, and ethnic Albanians Shaqiri and Xhaka – whose brother, Taulant, plays for Albania – nearly started an international incident when they celebrated goals during a 2- 1 win against Serbia at the 2018 World Cup with ‘ double eagle’ hand gestures. Ah, that famed Swiss neutrality...
LEAST LIKELY TO...
Escape a second- round cycle of despair that’s reminiscent of Groundhog Day, or Mexico in the World Cup.
WHAT THEY HOPE WILL HAPPEN
The Nati finally break through to the quarter- finals, although that will require either a goal or a shootout win in the second round. In five last- 16 games going back to 1994, the Swiss have mustered just one goal and lost twice on penalties.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN
Well, this is awkward. Switzerland’s dream of winning a tie in the last 16 does require them to get there first, and Group A looks looks very competitive. There must be one casualty among four knockout hopefuls. Each game will be tight and the Swiss lack a cutting edge; fail to turn draws into wins and they could face a shock group- stage exit. Or they’ll just lose in the last 16 again.