switzerland

World Cup appearances: 7
Best World Cup: Quarter-Finals; 1934, 1938 & 1954
FIFA World Ranking: 20
Manager: Ottmar Hitzfeld
Captain: Alexander Frei

Switzerland Team Profile

The Swiss aren’t a country you would automatically associate with strong World Cup’s but they have gone as far as the Quarter-Finals back in their heyday, although their heyday was a good half-a-century ago. They qualified for the finals on seven previous occasions, with South Africa being their eighth, but their previous best display came way back in 1954 when they reached the Quarter-Finals… again. However, they have since rarely made the finals itself, qualifying just four times since the 60′s, failing to make the cut on eight occasions.

Switzerland did, however, get as far as the last sixteen in Germany, 2006 before losing on a penalty shoot-out, with the Swizz not managing one goal in the shoot-out, losing 3-0 to Ukraine in what was one of the poorest penalty shoot-outs I think I’ve ever seen. They flopped completely at the Euro’s in 2008, exiting after just two group games despite being the hosts. They did, however, gain a consolation victory in the form of a shock 2-0 win over Portugal, of whom had already qualified for the latter stage of the tournament.

The Swiss aren’t the powerhouse of old and are often seen as a team most nations would prefer in their group. They also wear a red and white styled kit for both their home and away games, with their home kit a red top and white shorts while their away kit is vice verse.

Switzerland Key Players

Alexander Frei

Despite entering his 30′s last year, Frei is still Switzerland best player by a country mile and has remained their most prolific goalscorer for quite some time now, scoring 40 goals in his 70 caps for Switzerland. He averages over a goal every-other-game for his country and his stunning goal return ratio has earned him the captain’s armband, although his wealth of experience would have had a hand in that decision. Frei is currently settled in Switzerland after joining Basel last season from Borussia Dortmund in Germany and has found scoring a breeze back in his native country. He is a calm and composed sort who doesn’t often miss one-on-one’s nor does he miss too many sitters.

Strengths / Weakness

Not the best at attacking, weak looking midfield and a defence which doesn’t fill me with any great deal of confidence. Moreover, the Swiss are one of thee dullest sides to watch due to their slow tempo style of playing and their inability to retain possession, especially against the elite footballing nations. They don’t have any players which could entertain the neutrals, with Hakan Yakin being the only player we would keep an eye on. Very little in terms of positives, none in fact, but plenty of negatives, despite a decent defensive record in qualifying.

Switzerland Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: European
Group: 2
Position: 1st
Win-Draw-Lose: 6-3-1
Goals Scored: 18
Goals Conceded: 8

Switzerland came through an unattractive looking Group 2, fending off Greece, Latvia & Isreal, with neither of the mentioned nations anything special, which just goes to show how easy the Swiss had it during qualification. They did, though, lose just once in ten qualifiers, although that was a shock home defeat to Luxermbourg.

World Cup Potential: 1/5

Switzerland are one of a rare few nations we can’t stand to watch as they’re so dull. Their attacks have a knack of pittering out into nothing, while they don’t have any noteworthy players in their squad. Their defence looks mighty exposed against some of the more prolific attacking country’s and will almost certainly be found wanting in South Africa. The Swiss are a team we would steer well clear of in the betting market. We would even go as far as saying we would avoid watching them on the TV if you’re in the slightest bit vulnerable to a a sudden nap after a hard days work. 

Switzerland World Cup Betting Odds

Switzerland to win the World Cup: 100/1 BetFred

Before the World Cup the odds on Switzerland were 200/1 

Official Switzerland World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Diego Benaglio (VfL Wolfsburg)

Marco Wölfli (Young Boys Bern)

Johnny Leoni (FC Zurich)

Defenders

Stephan Lichtsteiner (Lazio Roma)

Philippe Senderos (Everton)

Stephane Grichting (AJ Auxerre)

Steve von Bergen (Hertha BSC Berlin)

Mario Eggimann (Hannover 96)

Reto Ziegler (Sampdoria Genoa)

Ludovic Magnin (FC Zurich)

Midfielders

Valon Behrami (West Ham United)

Gökhan Inler (Udinese Calcio)

Benjamin Huggel (FC Basle)

Pirmin Schwegler (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Gelson Fernandes (AS St. Etienne)

Tranquillo Barnetta (Bayer Leverkusen)

Xherdan Shaqiri (FC Basle)

Marco Padalino (Sampdoria Genoa)

Hakan Yakin (FC Lucerne)

Strikers

Alexander Frei (FC Basle)

Blaise Nkufo (Twente Enschede)

Eren Derdiyok (Bayer Leverkusen)

Albert Bunjaku (1. FC Nuremberg)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Switzerland Fixtures – Group H

World Cup 2010 Group H - Table

World Cup Fixtures and Results

Spain V Switzerland Preview

Kick-off: Wednesday, 16th June – 15:00 GMT
Stadium: Moses Madhiba Stadium, Durban
Referee: Howard Webb (England)
Group H

Spain

The Spanish have been installed as favourites to clinch their first FIFA World Cup in South Africa, with Brazil hot on their tails, and Wednesday will be when Vicente Del Bosque’s charges will get to express themselves on the big stage in a game they should win at a cantor, in a group they should stroll through. Switzerland are their first of three opponents in a feeble Group H, so will La Furia lay down a marker in just their first outing or will this air of expectancy cause havoc within the Spanish ranks.

It was only a year ago that the Spanish were falling apart at the seams to the United States, as their 35 game unbeaten run came crashing to an abrupt end in the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa  – The FIFA World Cup prep tournament. If that was a taster of things to come then Spain should cruise through their group, scoring plenty of goals and looking more for the world like they will win the prize on offer before crumbling, as they’re so used to doing in previous World  Cup’s, in the knock-outs. Back then it was USA who dashed their hopes, in South Africa it could very well be the Brazilians if Spain or Brazil fail to top their groups.

Spain will fancy their chances against any country, and rightly so, as Vicente Del Bosque has an embarrassment of riches and the Spanish are unquestionably the strongest 23-man party in South Africa. However, they have been known to come a cropper in the pressurized situations, at least they did have a reputation for such an act before the EURO’s in 2008. Spain displayed their world-beating potential two years ago when claiming the European crown and the Spanish faithful are praying their World Cup voodoo, with Spain having never even made the final of a World Cup before, have been banished with their euphoric 2008 success.

While Group H is incredible weak, with Spain the obvious highlight, the importance of finishing top of the pile couldn’t be any more significant what with Brazil occupying a group right next door. The only downside to this group, one Spain should finish top of without a question asked, is the winner will face a tricky Round of 16 clash no matter what, with Ivory Coast of Portugal likely to be Spain’s first knock-out opponent. As daunting as both may seem, Spain will fancy their chances against both of those country’s, far more than they would against the irrepressible Brazilians that’s for sure. So a good start is crucial for Spain, not only to ensure they make the best possible start in their quest to finish top of Group H but to build up some momentum ahead of a testing Round of 16 clash with the runners-up in Group G.

Injury News: Fernando Torres has already been back in action following his appearance in a friendly with Poland just days before the finals, even getting on the scoresheet. Cesc Fabregas is another who has recovered in time, although Andres Iniesta is facing a race against time to be fit for the Swiss opener.

Switzerland

The Swiss have never been an over extravagant bunch in all honesty, usually efficient but rarely an overwhelming force. And with a German coach in charge of guiding Switzerland into the knock-outs for the third successive World Cup the country has competed in (1994 & 2006), they’ll rate their chances a little higher than usual.

Ottmar Hitzfeld, formerly of Bayern Munich, where he won the UEFA Champions League on one occasion and the German league title on five, had a hand in Switzerland finishing top of Group 2 in the European sector above Greece, Latvia and Israel. It was an ordinary group by anyone’s standards, but it was fiercely competitive nonetheless and the Swiss deserve a great deal of credit for their qualifying success, as it was the first time since the 60′s Switzerland had pulled off back-to-back World Cup qualifications.

High profile names are few and far between in the Swiss ranks but one name that stands out above most is that of forward Alexander Frei, whom is the country’s all-time leading goalscorer with 40 goals in just 74 internationals, but the FC Basel striker will not play any part in his country’s Group H opener through injury. Another to miss out on an appealing encounter with Spain is West Ham’s Valon Behrami, with the two notable absentee’s leaving Hitzfeld with two huge voids to fill. And for a country where stars are hard to come by, you would be forgiven for having reservations and doubts over their respective replacements.

Switzerland certainly won’t look to take the game to Spain, with the aim throughout being to reduce the amount of space available for the forward players to run into and to remain resolute at the back. Levels of concentration must be sky-high at all times and the communication in defence needs to be spot, as this looks very much like it could pan out into a ‘man the pumps’ mission for the Swiss as a point against the tournament favourites would set them up nicely heading into two far less daunting Group H fixtures with Honduras and Chile.

World Cup Preview – Spain V Switzerland Betting Tips

Match Odds:

Spain – 1.29 WilliamHill
Draw – 5.50 Bet365
Switzerland – 15.00 VCbet

Our Prediction: Spain to WIN – 1.29 WilliamHill

Spain’s odds to win are too low, too low to really be taking seriously, but we don’t really envisage Switzerland repelling the Spanish bombardment for the full 90 minutes. We do have some faith in the Swiss keeping the scoring to a minimum, with perhaps a low scoring win on the cards for Spain. But in Spain you have so many match winners, a whole host of players ranging right back to the defenders who can pop up with a vital goal at any stage. At this stage, against this calibre of opponent, it’s almost impossible to oppose the tournament favourites, the 2008 European champions.

Our Recommended Bet: Under 2.5 Goals – 2.00 Boylesports

So far it has been a tournament where the big guns have been very reserved, too scared to lose in many respects, with their opening game and although Spain do have a whole host of quality players, none more so than their forward duo of Villa & Torres, the Swiss won’t leave too many gaps at the back and when they get everything in order, can be resilient in defence. Considering Switzerland don’t look likely of scoring in this contest, this could be a narrow Spanish victory unless the team in red break the deadlock early.

Serbia

Pre-World Friendly Form:WDL

Serbia 0-1 New Zealand
Serbia 0-0 Poland
Serbia 4-3 Cameroon

The Serbians went over 180 minutes before finding the goal in an international, but when they did Serbia began to find their way again, locate the sort of form and ruthlessness in front of goal which seen them finish above France in qualifying.

It all began in worrying fashion when Serbia fell to a shock 1-0 defeat to New Zealand, this despite coach Radomir Antic fielding a strong starting eleven. It was, though, Serbia’s first warm up encounter whereas it was New Zealand’s second, if that’s any consolation. With 90 minutes under their belts, and a bitter defeat to spur them on, Serbia were once again disappointing against the Polish. A fabulous opportunity o wipe away some forward cobwebs was passed up by Serbia. However, in their final game before the finals, Serbia’s forward play finally began to flourish, although at the same time their defence was showing some early signs of vulnerability. As Serbia found the net four times through Krasic, Stankovic, Milijas and Pantelic, at the other Stojkovic in the Serbia goal was left exposed and ended up conceding three goals.

While the victory over Cameroon was a welcome relief, the three goals they conceded will be of great concern for the coach, who has built up a solid, resolute and consistent side and won’t want to see defensive lapses creep into their play.

Slovakia

Pre-World Friendly Form:WD

Slovakia 1-1 Cameroon
Slovakia 3-0 Costa Rica

Following the disappointment of drawing with an out-of-sorts Cameroon, with Kamil Kopunek scoring in a 1-1 draw, Slovakia eased some of the worries back home with a resounding win in their final international friendly, routing Costa Rica 3-0 in Bratislava, Slovakia, with goals from Vittek and Stanislav Sestak. The latter was especially lively in both encounters.

On the whole, Slovakia coach Vladimir Weiss will be pleased with how their preparations went following two unbeaten friendlies. The ‘Slovaks’ will now nosedive into their World Cup opener with New Zealand on June 15th feeling confident of their chances.

Slovenia

Pre-World Friendly Form: WW

Slovenia 4-1 Qatar
Slovenia 3-1 New Zealand

Although the quality of opposition hasn’t been great, Slovenia have done their hopes of springing  surprise in Group D no harm with a quick-fire double. Forward Noavkovic opened the scoring against Qatar in a 4-1 romp while Novakovic was once again the player to open the scoring this time against New Zealand as he accounted for two of Slovenia’s three goals against New Zealand.

It will be beneficial to have this winning mentality instilled into the players but Slovenia will face far bigger tests in South Africa against the likes of Algeria, the United States and Group C favourites England.

South Africa

Pre-World Friendly Form:WWWDW

South Africa 4-0 Thailand
South Africa 1-1 Bulgaria
South Africa 2-1 Colombia
South Africa 5-0 Guatemala
South Africa 1-0 Denmark

South Africa coach Carlos Alverto Parreira pencilled in a variety of games against a mixture of teams, ranging from Asian side Thailand to European’s Denmark. They started in a positive manner, obliterating Thailand 4-0, before finalising their preparations on home soil with a hugely impressive 1-0 win over Denmark. In fact, South Africa remained undefeated after five pre-World Cup internationals, recording 4 wins and a draw. They’ve also been scoring plenty of goals, mostly against the ‘lesser’ nations however, but their 13 goals in five games will only aid the forwards in their quest to fire South Africa into the knock-out stage, thus avoiding becoming the first host nation not to qualify from the groups. It was also nice to see some team spirit and togetherness in their games, and from a nation which needs little excuse to party, Bafana Bafana’s enthusiastic manner on the pitch will likely prove infectious around the ground.

Spain

Pre-World Friendly Form: WW

Spain 3-2 Saudi Arabia
Spain 1-0 South Korea

The favourites to win the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the reigning European Champions. Spain haven’t been at all convincing nor have they justified their strong favouritism in the betting rings with their performances in recent friendlies. It took an injury time winner from Fernando Torres back-up Fernando Llronte to spare their blushes against Saudi Arabia, while Jesus Navas’ beautifully curled effort was once again a lifesaver for the Spanish, who now won two games on the spin but only by a one goal margin.

Against Saudi Arabia, there were enough errors at the back to have Vicente Del Bosque worried, while they were equally as disappointing and lacklustre against South Korea although the fact Spain are in arguably the easiest group of the lot in South Africa should allow the Spanish team to cut out there mistakes and build up some winning momentum before they really get tested in the knock-out stages.

Switzerland

Pre-World Friendly Form: DL

Switzerland 0-1 Costa Rica
Switzerland 1-1 Italy

Swiss fans were in dismay when their team fell to a shock 1-0 defeat to North Americans Costa Rica. In a scrappy game, where chances were few and far between for both sides, a mistake at the back led to Costa Rica’s opener and eventual winner, as Switzerland suffered a bitter blow ahead of the finals. They did, however, make amends in their next friendly, their last, by holding the reigning world champions Italy to a 1-1 draw in Geneva, Switzerland, thanks to a goal from midfielder Gokhan Inler, who has scored Switzerland’s last two international goals, his only goals in 34 appearances.

Uruguay

Pre-World Friendly Form: W

Uruguay 4-1 Israel

Uruguay, who need a play-off against Costa Rica to book their tickets to South Africa, only played one international in preparation for what they hope will be an enjoyable and fruitful stay in South Africa. A 4-1 win over Israel, with the La Celeste in control throughout in the Uruguay capital of Montevideo, led to joyous scenes at the end of the game as the Uruguay players and fans rejoiced at their qualification for the World Cup. That game was over a fortnight before Uruguay play their opener against France on Friday, June 11th, and there could be question marks over the lack of match practice Uruguay have had.

USA

Pre-World Friendly Form: WWL

USA 2-4 Czech Republic
USA 2-1 Turkey
USA 3-1 Australia

Following their 4-2 defeat to the Czech Republic on home soil, many were beginning to write off USA’s chances of even making the knock-out stage of the competition. Two wins the rafters though and Bob Bradley’s Americans are well and truly back in contention in Group C and will arrive in Rustenburg for their opener against group favourites England full of confidence and in high spirit after back-to-back victories over Turkey and Australia.

The biggest surprise to come out of USA’s warm up results was the amount of goals they scored – 7 in 3 games – as many, including us, weren’t exactly buzzing over their striking prowess. Somehow though, through their usual industrious and workmanlike attitudes, the United States have thumped in seven, with an impressive three of those coming in their final warm up match against Australia in a 3-1 win. Against Turkey, however, the American’s showed great tenacity and togetherness when coming from a goal behind, in a game they were being completely outplayed in, to record a much needed win. A sign that the Americans  have a tonne of fighting spirit within their camp.

World Cup appearances: 7
Best World Cup: Quarter-Finals; 1934, 1938 & 1954
FIFA World Ranking: 20
Manager: Ottmar Hitzfeld
Captain: Alexander Frei

Switzerland Team Profile

The Swiss aren’t a country you would automatically associate with strong World Cup’s but they have gone as far as the Quarter-Finals back in their heyday, although their heyday was a good half-a-century ago. They qualified for the finals on seven previous occasions, with South Africa being their eighth, but their previous best display came way back in 1954 when they reached the Quarter-Finals… again. However, they have since rarely made the finals itself, qualifying just four times since the 60′s, failing to make the cut on eight occasions.

Switzerland did, however, get as far as the last sixteen in Germany, 2006 before losing on a penalty shoot-out, with the Swizz not managing one goal in the shoot-out, losing 3-0 to Ukraine in what was one of the poorest penalty shoot-outs I think I’ve ever seen. They flopped completely at the Euro’s in 2008, exiting after just two group games despite being the hosts. They did, however, gain a consolation victory in the form of a shock 2-0 win over Portugal, of whom had already qualified for the latter stage of the tournament.

The Swiss aren’t the powerhouse of old and are often seen as a team most nations would prefer in their group. They also wear a red and white styled kit for both their home and away games, with their home kit a red top and white shorts while their away kit is vice verse.

Switzerland Key Players

Alexander Frei

Despite entering his 30′s last year, Frei is still Switzerland best player by a country mile and has remained their most prolific goalscorer for quite some time now, scoring 40 goals in his 70 caps for Switzerland. He averages over a goal every-other-game for his country and his stunning goal return ratio has earned him the captain’s armband, although his wealth of experience would have had a hand in that decision. Frei is currently settled in Switzerland after joining Basel last season from Borussia Dortmund in Germany and has found scoring a breeze back in his native country. He is a calm and composed sort who doesn’t often miss one-on-one’s nor does he miss too many sitters.

Strengths / Weakness

Not the best at attacking, weak looking midfield and a defence which doesn’t fill me with any great deal of confidence. Moreover, the Swiss are one of thee dullest sides to watch due to their slow tempo style of playing and their inability to retain possession, especially against the elite footballing nations. They don’t have any players which could entertain the neutrals, with Hakan Yakin being the only player we would keep an eye on. Very little in terms of positives, none in fact, but plenty of negatives, despite a decent defensive record in qualifying.

Switzerland Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: European
Group: 2
Position: 1st
Win-Draw-Lose: 6-3-1
Goals Scored: 18
Goals Conceded: 8

Switzerland came through an unattractive looking Group 2, fending off Greece, Latvia & Isreal, with neither of the mentioned nations anything special, which just goes to show how easy the Swiss had it during qualification. They did, though, lose just once in ten qualifiers, although that was a shock home defeat to Luxermbourg.

World Cup Potential: 1/5

Switzerland are one of a rare few nations we can’t stand to watch as they’re so dull. Their attacks have a knack of pittering out into nothing, while they don’t have any noteworthy players in their squad. Their defence looks mighty exposed against some of the more prolific attacking country’s and will almost certainly be found wanting in South Africa. The Swiss are a team we would steer well clear of in the betting market. We would even go as far as saying we would avoid watching them on the TV if you’re in the slightest bit vulnerable to a a sudden nap after a hard days work. 

Switzerland World Cup Betting Odds

Switzerland to win the World Cup: 100/1 BetFred

Before the World Cup the odds on Switzerland were 200/1 

Official Switzerland World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Diego Benaglio (VfL Wolfsburg)

Marco Wölfli (Young Boys Bern)

Johnny Leoni (FC Zurich)

Defenders

Stephan Lichtsteiner (Lazio Roma)

Philippe Senderos (Everton)

Stephane Grichting (AJ Auxerre)

Steve von Bergen (Hertha BSC Berlin)

Mario Eggimann (Hannover 96)

Reto Ziegler (Sampdoria Genoa)

Ludovic Magnin (FC Zurich)

Midfielders

Valon Behrami (West Ham United)

Gökhan Inler (Udinese Calcio)

Benjamin Huggel (FC Basle)

Pirmin Schwegler (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Gelson Fernandes (AS St. Etienne)

Tranquillo Barnetta (Bayer Leverkusen)

Xherdan Shaqiri (FC Basle)

Marco Padalino (Sampdoria Genoa)

Hakan Yakin (FC Lucerne)

Strikers

Alexander Frei (FC Basle)

Blaise Nkufo (Twente Enschede)

Eren Derdiyok (Bayer Leverkusen)

Albert Bunjaku (1. FC Nuremberg)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Switzerland Fixtures – Group H

World Cup Group H - Table

World Cup Fixtures and Results

World Cup Group of Switzerland

GREECE v LUXEMBOURG

The Greeks need a win. Technically they could draw, or even lose and still hang on their current second place in Group B, but they aren’t going to want to rest on their laurels. They will be trying for maximum points in a last ditch attempt to steal first place from the Swiss. For that scenario to happen, the Swiss would need to lose against Israel, and then everything will likely come down to goal difference for the top spot. But with an Israel victory, could mean that Greece would be out of the running unless they definitely win. This is one of those fascinating finishes to qualifying, all essentially coming down to a last day shoot-out for those precious top two spots in the group. Fortunately for Greece, Luxembourg are one of the minnows of qualification and should not pose too much of a threat. But saying that, they could only manage a 1-1 draw against Moldova recently, who are even worse off than Luxembourg. All to play for in Group Two on Wednesday.

The Swiss, who have stepped to fore over the past few games to break free at the top of a very tight group, only need one more point to seal Group Two. This will be a great achievement for them, and their previous encounter with Israel ended with a 2-2 draw. Avoiding defeat would be enough, but with Greece on their tails, they definitely cannot afford any kind of slip up on Wednesday night. The Israelis wrapped themselves up a nice 3-0 win over Moldova on Saturday, and with some mathematical jiggery-pokery, they can still qualify themselves. If Israel do beat Switzerland and second placed Greece lose or draw, then depending on goal difference, Israel could be making a trip to South Africa.

With Israel still in the hunt, then it will be no easy game for the Swiss. They have displayed good form of late though, and the home advantage should be a little bit of comfort to them. Switzerland breezed their way past Luxembourg on Saturday, and it has all left Group Two as just one of two groups with nothing decided with regards to qualification. This is probably going to be the most interesting game of the night.

Switzerland to win: 5/6 at Bet365
Draw: 5/2 at Ladbrokes
Israel to win: 9/2 at SkyBet

Greece to win: 1/25 at Bet365
Draw: 12/1 at Boylesports
Luxembourg to win: 66/1 at William Hill

Switzerland V Israel – Wednesday 14^th October

(19:00 GMT)

This may not look the most glamorous of qualifiers on paper but there is a lot at stake as Israel make the trip across central Europe to Switzerland knowing only a win will do for them. The Swiss, however, are just a point away from booking their place in their ninth World Cup.

Switzerland lead Group 2 by three points, with Greece trailing them in second position. However, with the Swiss only having a one better goal difference then the Greek’s, they know they have to keep it tight on Wednesday and at least get the point they need to qualify.

Israel have struggled to keep up with Switzerland but they aren’t without hope, of making the play-off’s that is. Israel find themselves two points adrift of Greece in third, so only a win will do for them if they want to leapfrog Greece into second. However, there is a major glitch, Greece are facing a Luxembourg side languishing second from bottom with just five points. The Greek’s hammered Luxembourg 3-0 in the reverse fixture so this game for Israel does look pointless on paper, but they will hold out for a miracle.

Switzerland’s Predicament – Avoid DEFEAT against Israel, at home, and they’ll secure their passage to South Africa for the 2010 World Cup. Were they to lose and Greece to beat Luxembourg, Greece would leapfrog the Swiss into first, moreover, snatching the one remaining automatic position out of Swiss hands

Israel’s Predicament – They must BEAT Switzerland and hope Luxembourg beat Greece, in Greece.

Switzerland to WIN – 3 / 4 Bet365

Israel to WIN – 9/2 SkyBet

Draw – 5/2 Ladbrokes

Our Hunch: The fact that Israel know a Greece win elsewhere is near enough a formality could play a huge part in how they enter this game, mentally. If they can put that to one side then they could be dangerous on the night but Switzerland have the incentive they need to get motivated for the win that would secure their berth in South Africa. The home side should have enough to at least secure the point they need to progress, possibly go one further and take all three, just to make sure.

GROUP TWO

Like Group One, this has been a fun group to watch unfold, with no-one really sure just how it is all going to play out. After the last round of matches, Switzerland did themselves a huge favour, with a 2-0 win over second placed Greece. Latvia and Israel may not be recognised as powerhouses in European football, but both of them have played their way into World Cup contention. This is one of the groups that will literally go down to the wire.

Remaining Matches
October 10th
Luxembourg v Switzerland
Israel v Moldova
Greece v Latvia

October 14th
Switzerland v Israel
Greece v Luxembourg
Latvia v Moldova

SWITZERLAND
Topping the group and with a reasonably comfortable next game, the Swiss should win the group. On paper that all sounds easy, but the Swiss have the ignominy of being the only team to lose against the minnows of Luxembourg during qualifying. To make it worse, it was at home. The win against Greece was the crucial game at the top of this group, but the Swiss victory has left second place in some jeopardy, not that they’ll care about that. One win from their two final games should be enough to see the Swiss book a runner’s-up spot at least, because second and third have to play each other, and whatever happens there, Switzerland could play a big part in the outcome of the second place.
Luxembourg to win: 26/1 at Expekt
Draw: 15/2 at WIlliam Hill
Switzerland to win: 1/10 at Paddy Power

GREECE
The loss against the Swiss was a major setback for their automatic qualifcation hopes. The Greeks are now left with the tough task of taking on Latvia, who have the same stats in the group standings. Greece should be heartened by two things about this match. One is that they have home advantage this time, and the other is that they comfortably beat the Latvians 2-0 away, earlier in the campaign. The only reason Greece find themselves in a pickle, is because of the two defeats they have suffered against the Swiss (the 1-1 draw in the last game against Moldova will not have helped). It will be time to bring their A game on Saturday, for a win should book them a runner’s-up spot, but nothing will be guaranteed until the final round of matches. The final qualifying game for the Greeks however, is against Luxembourg, so that should be maximum points.
Greece to win: 1/3 at Paddy Power
Draw: 4/1 at Bet365
Latvia to win: 9/1 at Stan James

LATVIA
Doing well in qualifying without being spectacular. They held the Swiss to a 2-2 draw in their last game, and kept their hopes of visiting South Africa next year alive. The game against Greece will be the equivalent of their FA Cup final. They cannot afford to lose. Well, mathematically they can, but it will leave them needing Luxembourg to beat Greece and have themselves hammer Moldova to gain runners up spot. All that is possible of course, just unlikely. However, if the Latvians can overturn the Greeks, or even steal a point off them, it will make for a fantastic last day in the group on Wednesday.

ISRAEL
Battling hard and making some progress. Their best result was probably the 2-2 draw against Switzerland, or the 1-1 draw against Latvia. They did however, embarrass Luxembourg by hitting seven past them, something which no-one else has come close to doing (apart from Latvia who scored four). That came after a 1-0 home defeat against Latvia, which probably sealed their fate in the group. Like Latvia, they have a mathematical chance on paper, as they will likely pick up 3 points on Saturday against Moldova. Maybe if the Swiss have qualified and are relaxed in their final game against Israel, then Israel may have a hope. All that though will still depend on what Greece and Latvia above them do.
Israel to win: 1/5 at Bet 365
Draw: 11/2 at Stan James
Moldova: 14/1 at SkyBet

LUXEMBOURG
Tiny little Luxembourg, really haven’t had all that much to shout about. Their hopes will have probably been sky high after their first game 2-1 win over Switzerland, but only having scored one more qualifying goal since then hasn’t helped them at all. They have come back down to earth with a crash, and could only manage two no-score draws against Moldova.

MOLDOVA
Bottom of the group and outclassed, although they have a tighter defence than Luxembourg. Their highlights have only been three draws, the best coming in a 1-1 tie against the Greeks.

WHAT IS LIKELY TO HAPPEN
Switzerland will beat Luxembourg on Saturday, while the Greeks get the job done against the Latvians. Israel meanwhile pick up maximum points which keeps them in the hunt for second place. Switzerland will then round off the group with a draw against Israel, while Greece go out in a blaze of glory against Luxembourg. All this leaves the Swiss with 21 points, the Greeks with 20 to claim the top two spots. With all that happening, Latvia and Israel will be very gallant failures in an entertaining group.

TO WIN GROUP
Switzerland: 1/7 at Bet365
Greece: 11/2 at SkyBet
Latvia: 50/1 at Totesport
Israel: 100/1 at SkyBet
 

Host: Switzerland
Winners: West Germany
Runners-up: Hungary
Third Place: Austria
Fourth Place: Uruguay
Top Goalscorer: Sándor Kocsis (Hungary) – 11 Goals
Participants: 16 (Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Czechoslovakia, England, France, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, Scotland, South Korea, Switzerland, Turkey, Uruguay, West Germany, Yugoslavia)

Switzerland were the host for the 1954 World Cup and were the first country from Europe to host the prestigious tournament after the Second World War en ravaged the vast majority of Europe. However, the fans didn’t do enough to drive their country to what would have been a memorable victory as Germany, or West Germany as they were known back then, went on to win the tournament with victory over Hungary in the final.

For the first time in World Cup history there was TV coverage of a World Cup and special coins were issued to mark the event. Viewers were fortunateenough to see a goal fest in the final as Hungary and West Germany played out a five goal final with four of those coming within their opening 20 minutes of the first half.

Final:

Hungary 2 – 3 West Germany – Wankdorf Stadium ~ 60,000 Attendance

Goalscorers:

Hungary – Puskas, Czibor
West Germany – Morlock, Rahn x2

Third Place Play-Off:

Uruguay 1 – 3 Austria

Goalscorers:

Uruguay – Hohberg
Austria – Stojaspal, Cruz, Ocwirk