Swiss coach Yakin: Brazil inspired me to play football
Switzerland’s coach Murat Yakin addresses a press conference in Doha on Sunday.
SWITZERLAND coach Murat Yakin said Sunday his side would not be overawed by Brazil ahead of their World Cup clash in Qatar, admitting the fivetime champions inspired him to play the game.
Both teams won their opening Group G matches and the winner of Monday’s game could qualify for the knockout rounds, depending on the result of the earlier match between Cameroon and Serbia.
“Personally, I have been looking forward to this clash since the draw came out,” Yakin, a former Swiss international, said on the eve of the match.
“Since my childhood, I spoke at length about Brazil -- maybe that’s why I became a footballer.
“Of course, we are really looking forward to it. It’s great to play against big names and to show what we have.”
Yakin said his side had not changed their preparations for the game despite the absence of Brazil talisman Neymar, who is injured.
“They have enough quality to compensate,” he said.
“Each and every one is super skilled, even the center backs and goalkeeper,” Switzerland coach Murat Yakin said Sunday, describing the Brazil players. “They are here to get the title. That’s almost a must for them.”
Tough team
Some of Europe’s best teams have found the Swiss a tough out in the past 18 months.
Switzerland beat Portugal and Spain in the Nations League this year. Last year, the Swiss eliminated world champion France in the European Championship and advanced to Qatar by finishing above Euro 2020 winner Italy in their World Cup qualifying group.
“We’ve been challenged by great teams and we’ve been able to score,” said forward Xherdan Shaqiri, who is playing in his fourth World Cup, a Swiss record. “If we score a goal I think we can completely change the game.”
Shaqiri laid on the pass for Breel Embolo to score the only goal in a 1-0 win against Cameroon that opened the group on Thursday. The Swiss did just enough to take the three points against its expected weakest opponent.
Switzerland will be without Noah Okafor, the Salzburg forward who has been a favored speedy option from the bench late in games.