Switzerland’s national football team is gearing up for the Euro 2024 tournament, hoping to build on their impressive performances in recent international competitions. The Swiss side made headlines during Euro 2020 by eliminating neighbours France in the Last 16 stage and nearly defeating Spain in the quarter-finals. However, their World Cup 2022 campaign ended in the Last 16 after a loss to Portugal, despite victories over Cameroon and Serbia in the group stage.
Switzerland’s qualification for Euro 2024 saw them finish second in Group I behind Romania, with four wins, five draws, and one loss. As they prepare to face tough opponents in Group A, including Germany, Scotland, and Hungary, the Swiss will need to showcase their resilience and determination to progress in the tournament.
Key Players and Management
Switzerland’s success in Euro 2024 will largely depend on the performance of their key players and the guidance of their management team. Murat Yakin, who has been at the helm since 2021, will lead the Swiss side as they navigate the challenges of the tournament.
The team’s captain, Granit Xhaka, will play a crucial role in Switzerland’s midfield. Despite leaving Arsenal for Bayer Leverkusen, Xhaka was instrumental in his new team’s Bundesliga title win and DFB Pokal final success. His leadership and experience will be invaluable to the Swiss squad.
Another player to watch is Xherdan Shaqiri, the star winger who has previously played for Liverpool and Bayern Munich. Although he now plays for Chicago Fire in the MLS, Shaqiri’s pace and powerful shot make him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
Qualification and Expectations
Switzerland’s qualification campaign for Euro 2024 was not particularly impressive, despite scoring 22 goals. They managed to beat Belarus, Israel, and Andorra twice, drew with Romania once, and lost to them in their final game. The Swiss also drew with Kosovo twice and Belarus and Israel once.
As they enter the tournament, Switzerland will face a tough challenge in Group A, which includes Germany, Scotland, and Hungary. The Scottish and Hungarian teams are eager to prove themselves on the international stage, while Germany, as the host nation, will have the home advantage.
Despite the obstacles, Switzerland has a talented squad that includes the likes of Xhaka, Shaqiri, Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji, Newcastle’s Fabian Schar, and Inter Milan goalkeeper Yann Sommer. The team’s strategy will likely involve frustrating their opponents and capitalizing on their individual talents.
Switzerland’s Euro 2024 campaign will be a true test of their resilience and ability to compete with some of Europe’s best teams. While a repeat of their Euro 2020 heroics may seem unlikely, the Swiss squad possesses the talent and experience to potentially cause some upsets.
Much will depend on their final Group A match against the hosts, Germany, which could prove to be a decisive derby game. As the tournament approaches, football fans around the world will be eagerly awaiting to see how Switzerland fares in their quest for European glory.
SWITZERLAND EURO 2024 FIXTURES & SCHEDULE
Group A
Saturday, June 15: Hungary v Switzerland, 2pm (Koln Stadium, Cologne)
Wednesday, June 19: Scotland v Switzerland, 8pm (Koln Stadium, Cologne)
Sunday, June 23: Switzerland v Germany, 8pm (Frankfurt Arena, Frankfurt)
SWITZERLAND EURO 2024 SQUAD
Yakin will confirm his final Switzerland squad ahead of the June 6 deadline. Below is his preliminary squad.
GOALKEEPERSs: Gregor Kobel, Yvon Mvogo, Pascal Loretz, Jan Sommer, Marvin Keller.
DEFENDERS: Nico Elvedi, Fabian Schär, Manuel Akandji, Aurel Amenda, Ulisses Garcia, Albian Haidari, Kevin Mbabu, Sylvan Widmer, Brian Oko, Becir Omeragic, Cedric Cesiger, Leonidas Stergiou, Ricardo Rodriguez.
MIDFIELDERS: Uran Bislimi, Renato Steffen, Kwadwo Dua, Remo Fröhler, Michel Ebischer, Dan Ndoye, Filip Ugrinic, Joel Monteiro, Granit Xhaka, Ruben Vargas, Ardon Yashari, Denis Zakaria, Steven Zuber, Fabian Rieder, Xherdan Shaqiri.
FORWARDS: Andi Zekiri, Zeki Amdouni, Noah Okafor, Vincent Sierro, Breel Embolo
