Switzerland at the World Cup

Switzerland

Vital Statistics:

World Cup appearances – 7

Best World Cup – Quarter-Finals; 1934, 1938 & 1954

FIFA World Ranking – 18

Manager: Ottmar Hitzfeld

Captain: Alexander Frei

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.

Key Player(s):

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.

Qualification:

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.

Current World Cup Odds (Outright): 200/1 BetFred

World Cup Group H - Table

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