Switzerland – World Cup Preview

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The road to the World Cup was a bit of a bumpy one for the Swiss. They started poorly with a draw against Israel and then an embarrassing defeat at home to Luxembourg. Fortunately things were brought back on track and Switzerland managed to finish top of their qualifying group one point ahead of Greece.
Most of Switzerland’s success can be put down to managerial great Ottmar Hitzfield who has won countless trophies and known the world over as a force to be reckoned with. He’s realising a dream by coaching the Swiss which sounds a little ominous, could he really bring them World Cup glory?
He’s up against it if he’s serious. They’ve been planted in a group which includes Spain, Chile and Honduras and while there should be a good tussle against Chile, Spain look unbeatable. It’s a tough group to get out of to be sure.
Switzerland didn’t perform very well when they hosted the European Championships in 2008 but they need to put that slip up behind them and concentrate on what lies ahead. Key men to look out for include the captain Alexander Frei who has an international goal scoring record of 40 in 73 games and at 30 he could add considerably more to that tally.
Way at the other side of the line up young keeper Diego Banaglio has been earning praise, his ability in goal should come in ‘handy’. Diego should be covered by Philippe Senderos at centre back though, the onetime Arsenal starlet now plays across town with Premier league outfit Fulham. Also, usually in defence and familiar with the premier league is Valon Behrami who’s versatility means he will probably start as a winger for the national side.
It’s a relatively young team that’s going to South Africa but with Ottmar Hitzfield at the helm it should be noteworthy.