Swiss Football Association
1895
Coach: Ottmar Hitzfeld
Confederation: UEFA
FIFA Ranking (Dec 09) : 18
Previous Appearances: 5 (quarterfinal 1934, 1938, 1954; round of the last sixteen 1994, 2006)
Switzerland v Spain 16 June; Durban
Switzerland v Chile 21 June; Port Elizabeth
Switzerland v Honduras 25 June; Bloemfontein
Background
South Africa 2010 will be the 6th world cup for Switzerland. It is interesting to note that after 1934 and 38, this will be the first consecutive world cups for this small country.
The road to the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals
Switzerland were placed in Group 2 along with Greece, Latvia, Israel, Luxembourg, and Moldova for the qualifying campaign.
Switzerland kicked off with a 2-2 draw against Israel. But they were defeated 1-2 at home by Luxembourg, in Zurich in the next match. Switzerland bagged their first three points with a 2-1 win over Latvia and then the Swiss; beat the Greeks 2-1 away. The winning streak continued and Moldova went down 2-0, both in the home and away matches. Their sixth victory in a trot was against Greece with the score line reading 2-0. But the win run was halted by Latvia who held the Swiss to a 2-2 draw. However, Switzerland thrashed Luxembourg 3-0 away to consolidate their position in the qualifying campaign. The last encounter was with Israel in which the Swiss was held to a0-0 draw. But it was good enough for Switzerland to seal an automatic entry into the World Cup 2010 with 21 points relegating Greece to the second position.
Strengths
The Swiss have a team that is united and function with the coordination of a well oiled machine. They are highly motivated and to a certain extent compensates for the lack of big talent. Players with experience of playing in foreign clubs are also valuable assets.
Weaknesses
At times Switzerland seem to lose focus and stumble against weak teams, who should have been made mince meat.
The Coach
Ottmar Hitzfeld has been a success with big names like Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. He is an able manager, who retains full control of the players and at the same time is amiable and pleasant. His guidance will be of great benefit to the Swiss squad.
Star Men
Blaise Kufo;
Kufo was one of the few players who contributed a lot to the qualifying campaign. The Congolese-born striker has made about 30 appearances for the national side and has impressive stats of one goal in every four matches played. Kufo pairs up well with his mate Alexander Frei.
Alexander Frei;
Frei has played for Switzerland 73 times and is the top scorer with 40 goals. He scored two goals in the 2006 World Cup, but missed most of the Euro 2008, due to an injury. Frei will be instrumental in the progress of the national team in South Africa.
Diego Benaglio (VFL Wolfsburg);
A new entrant to the Swiss team, the young goalkeeper won the Bundesliga last season with Wolfsburg.
Best Footballing Moment
The U-17 World Cup victory defeating Italy, Brazil, Germany and Nigeria, in Nigeria in November 2009.
World Cup Objective
To progress beyond the first round.
|
