Switzerland will be making their ninth World Cup appearance in South Africa, with the furthest they’ve gone being the quarter-finals in 1934, 1938 and when the country hosted the tournament in 1954. In the last ten years the Alpine country have become a real power in youth football, winning the 2002 Under-17 European Championship and the 2009 Under-17 World Cup.

The country finished first in their qualifying group, ahead of Greece, Latvia, Israel and Luxembourg, with 20 points. It was not without difficulties though with an embarrasing home defeat (2-1) to the team of the small Grand Dutchy. However, following a series of victories – including two against Greece – Switzerland were on track to top the group. Now they face Spain, Chile and Honduras in Group H.

The Coach

Ottmar Hitzfeld (GER)
61 years old

Ottmar Hitzfeld must be considered amongst Europe’s most successful coaches, having won the Champions League twice – firstly with Borussia Dortmund and then with Bayern Munich. The German has also picked up seven Bundesliga titles, two intercontinental cups, three German cups, two Swiss titles and three Swiss cups.

The coach became Swiss boss after Euro 2008, replacing legend Jakob Kuhn who retired. Hitzfeld was set two tasks, firstly guide the team to South Africa, and secondly provide the “Nati” with new impetus after a disappointing Euro 2008 on home soil. The former Bayern Munich coach has succeeded at the first, but is still working on the second.


Players to watch

Alex Frei
30 years old
Forward
Basel (SWI)

Frei is Switzerland’s all-time top scorer with 40 goals. Last summer the 30-year-old left the German Bundesliga and returned home to sign for Basel, where his 15 goals have been vital in helping them to the double. Last February, Frei broke his arm, but for Hitzfeld the injury could have been a blessing, as the striker will be well rested for the World Cup. In the 2006 World Cup he managed two goals.

 

 

Diego Benaglio
26 years old
Goalkeeper
Wolfsburg (GER)

One of the best keepers in the whole German Bundesliga, in 2009 Benaglio played a key role in Wolfsburg’s first ever league title. To follow that up the 26-year-old was crowned Swiss Footballer of the Year too. Benaglio’s season has been full of ups and downs as Wolfsburg failed to defend their title. Since 2008, the keeper has been a regular in the Swiss team and South Africa will be his second World Cup.


Tranquillo Barnetta
25 years old
Midfielder
Bayer Leverkusen (GER)

The left sided midfielder is Switzerland’s most talented player. With Bayer Leverkusen Barnetta enjoyed a good season, standing out throughout. Now he must prove his worth wearing his country’s shirt. At the 2006 World Cup Barnetta was voted Best Young Player of the Tournament, but two years later disappointed at Euro 2008. The time has come for him to be the real leader of the pack.


Eren Derdiyok
21 years old
Forward
Bayer Leverkusen (GER)

On 6th February, 2008, Derdiyok impressed on his international debut, scoring against England in a friendly at Wembley. Last summer the forward left Basel for Bayer Leverkusen in a positive move. It was surely the right choice as Derdiyok had a great campaign, scoring 12 goals. Physically strong and with a powerful header, he could well be a breath of fresh air in a Swiss attack getting no younger.


The view from Switzerland:

Despite Switzerland being made up of many languages and identities, the whole country is permeated with a deep sense of belonging. When the country play, there are no Baslers, Romands, Zurichers or Ticinos: There are only Swiss. From German-speaking tabloid Blick, to Italian-speaking newspaper Il Giornale del Popolo, the message is the same. “We are looking forward to reaching new heights in South Africa”. That means surviving the first round at least.


Prediction

Strong support at home might not be enough for Switzerland to qualify for the second round. Despite having topped their group, the team’s performances were often far from impressive and Ottmar Hitzfeld’s men seem to lack something. Goalscoring continues to be a problem and from September through until May the country only found the net through free-kicks and penalties. “To upset the favourites”, Hitzfeld commented, “we will have to improve.” The coach is right and it won’t be easy.


Did you know?

In 2006, Switzerland missed the chance to make an unforgettable run in the World Cup by losing to Ukraine in a penalty shootout in the last 16. The Swiss left the tournament not having conceded a single goal in normal time in their games. Once back home, however, goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbuhler was criticised for his lack of ability when it comes to stopping penalties.

Group games

16/06/10: Switzerland  1 – 0  Spain     –   Durban
21/06/10: Switzerland  0 – 1  Chile     –   Nelson Mandela Bay
25/06/10: Switzerland  0 – 0  Honduras     –   Bloemfontein