Switzerland are somewhat becoming World Cup regulars. Following a torrid run where they qualified for the finals just once between 1966 and 2006, the Swiss are now preparing themselves for their 4th consecutive World Cup.
After missing out on automatic qualification to European champions Portugal on goal difference only, Petkovic and his team booked their place in Russia following a narrow 1-0 play-off win over Northern Ireland.
However recent tournaments have been heartbreaking for Switzerland, having fallen at the World Cup last 16 stage twice in the last 3 tournaments. Firstly, in 2006, when Ukraine beat them on penalties, and again in 2014, losing to a late extra time goal against Argentina. Most recently, Euro 2016 had a similar cruel outcome. In the last 16 round, a late Polish goal tied the match at 1-1, before Switzerland went on to lose on penalties. The last 16 curse has to end sometime.
But in truth, it’s unlikely to be this year. In Group E, we’re expecting Brazil to top it, leaving Switzerland, Serbia and Costa Rica to fight it out for 2nd place. Should the Swiss advance, it’s likely that pre tournament favourites Germany will provide the opposition in the next round.
The team, known as La Nati, will be looking towards winger Xherdan Shaqiri for the attacking flair. Following a difficult domestic season in a relegated Stoke side, Shaqiri will be crucial in a talented Swiss team. While he will occupy one wing, it’s likely Hoffenheim’s Steven Zubar will provide the width on the opposite side of the pitch. These could be important areas that will cause danger to many full backs.
One potential problem for the wide men however could be who they are providing to. Despite a talented group of strikers, none of them have really hit good club form ahead of the tournament. Haris Seferovic could be favourite, however he’s only managed 4 goals in 20 appearances since his summer move to Benfica. Josip Drmic has struggled for game time with Mochengladbach in Germany this season. Another striker in the frame is 21 year old Breel Embolo. Hugely talented, Embolo hasn’t had the most consistent of seasons in a strong Schalke side.
Early indications suggest this may not be a problem. A recent 6-0 friendly win against fellow World Cup entrants Panama showed Switzerland’s clinical side. Embolo was among the 6 different goalscorers in a comprehensive win. Can Petkovic put his faith in someone so young to lead the line this summer?
Twitter user @OnceVascos, a Switzerland and Bilbao fan, believes he should. I spoke to him about Switzerland’s chances, as they head to Russia praying this time around, luck will be on their side.
It looks like a straight fight between Switzerland, Serbia and Costa Rica for 2nd spot. Can the Swiss side progress?
The Swiss team is really unpredictable. For example, in the qualifiers, we played a really good match against Portugal. Then in the play offs, we struggled against a team like Northern Ireland. If they manage to play as good as they did during this qualification campaign, I’m sure they can get easily get a 2nd spot, or actually even a 1st spot.
I mentioned the striking options available, who do you see leading the line at the World Cup?
Up front? Hmm. It’s difficult as their are a lot of options now. A couple of years ago, we always saw Alexander Frei. But now, it variates a lot. For me, Embolo will start as the attacking option.
The squad looks very strong out on the wings. How important is Shaqiri in particular to the team?
Shaqiri is really important, just like every other player. I won’t lie, I do think that we rely on Xherdan a lot. We’re certainly not a one man team, but he’s a key player for the Swiss squad.
Promising youngster Dimitri Oberlin has been impressing recently. Can we see him featuring at the World Cup? And just how talented is he?
Oberlin is a young player that has been playing really well for his club Red Bull Salzburg. He showed us what he’s capable of in the Europa League. I think, there’s a chance that he will be involved at the World Cup.
Finally, who will win the 2018 World Cup?
In my dreams, Switzerland! But the team I think is going to win is Spain, because they’ve been playing really really well lately and are far superior compared to other national teams. Now let’s see who wins!
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