‘The General’ Gathers His Men – Who Will Shine for The Swiss?

Switzerland are not expected to win the World Cup, perhaps not even considered as an outside bet, but how is success measured for the Swiss? Three quarter final appearances have been their best effort thus far, with the most recent over half a century ago. The draw wasn’t kind, landing the Swiss with European champions and red-hot favourites Spain, along with the much talked about Chileans and the fairly unknown quantity, Honduras. Progression would see a last 16 meeting with a strong nation surviving the ‘group of death’, so getting past the second round would be an astonishing achievement, with the more realistic goal of qualification from a tricky group.

Ottmar Hitzfeld, known as ‘the general’ is the man in charge of Switzerland, one of Europe’s most successful and respected coaches having led both Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich to Champions League glory, as well as collecting seven Bundesliga titles along the way. He will have his work cut out to try and get the best out of a squad lacking in star players and without much experience on the big stage. A timid and naïve showing in Euro 2008 when co-hosting, followed by a solid, if unspectacular route through qualifying for the World Cup leave expectations low for the alpine nation.

 

 

Diego Benaglio – Goalkeeper – Age 26 – Wolfsburg

After watching on as third choice keeper at the 2006 World Cup, Benaglio has since made big strides and is now the undisputed Swiss no.1. He is a reliable shot-stopper and played a key role in helping his club, Wolfsburg capture the Bundesliga title in 2008-09. The likelihood is that Switzerland will play an organised and uncomplicated style following on from their strong defensive showing in Germany 2006. The remarkable record of not conceding a single goal during the last World Cup will place more pressure on the talented Benaglio, as the Swiss are rarely an overly attacking force; their ability to keep it tight at the back is paramount. The rising star is one of the most underrated goalkeepers in Europe and will be a vital component if Switzerland is to do well.

 

 

Tranquillo Barnetta – Midfielder – Age 25 – Bayer Leverkusen

Arguably Switzerland’s top asset heading to the World Cup, the dynamic, left-sided midfielder will be expected to have a strong presence in the finals. He made an impact for the national side at a young age whilst playing for Switzerland in their under 17 European Championship winning side of 2002. He was also nominated for ‘Best Young Player’ at the 2006 World Cup where he scored against Togo. Barnetta possesses great pace and athleticism, works extremely hard for the team and his inventiveness and ability to deliver decisive crosses will prove to be Switzerland’s main threat. He is an integral part of Hitzfeld’s team and is most certainly the player to look out for when the Swiss begin their campaign against Spain on June 16th.

 

Alexander Frei – Striker – Age 30 – FC Basel

Switzerland’s all-time leading goalscorer with 40 goals in 73 appearances and his nation’s captain, Frei is the Swiss talisman and a dependable source for goals. The experienced striker has had an established career playing in the European leagues and his instinctive qualities in front of goal will be vital to Switzerland’s chances. Despite lacking considerable height or pace, his positioning and finishing ability make him a danger man against any team. After the disappointment of missing the majority of Euro 2008 due to injury, Frei will be determined to make his mark on the world stage by leading his country to a successful World Cup campaign. Frei netted five times during qualifying and will look to continue this form in South Africa.

There are two additional players I would also like to highlight. Firstly, striker Blaise Nkufo, a 35 year old veteran who will be relatively unknown to many, plying his trade for FC Twente for the last six seasons, winning the Eredivisie title this year. He played in all ten qualifying games, forming a strong partnership with Alexander Frei, matching the captains five goal haul. This is likely to be his first and last World Cup, but he is not likely to pass by unnoticed. Secondly, it would be difficult to avoid mentioning the Swiss football hero, Hakan Yakin. He is unlikely to play a starting role this summer, but has been used effectively as a sub recently, in order to change a game with his creative flair and keen eye for goal.