Switzerland
Power vacuum
Switzerland is the centre of world football but not because of the achievements of the national team or the country’s clubs. Instead, the Alpine nation owes its pre-eminence to a unique political and financial status that makes it the perfect home for FIFA and UEFA.
Once upon a time the Swiss national team was among the major powers of the continent. But the days of Karl Rappan and his verrou (or “Swiss bolt”) defence lie more than 50 years in the past. Indeed, this will be only the second time they have appeared at a European Championship finals – they made their debut in 1996.
In England, under Roy Hodgson, they failed to progress beyond the group stage. This time, their prospects are better not only because they have home advantage but also because of their comparatively kind draw – the Swiss face Portugal, Turkey and the Czech Republic. That said, they cannot realistically expect to go beyond the quarter-finals.
Encouraging memory
At least the Swiss, unlike their Austrian co-hosts, have the encouraging memory of their presence at the World Cup finals in Germany two years ago, when they reached the second round under Kobi Kuhn. The former Zurich and Switzerland playmaker is still coach but will give way to current Bayern Munich boss Ottmar Hitzfeld after the finals.
In the meantime Kuhn has an awkward challenge, to judge from an inconsistent run of results in warm-up friendlies. Switzerland began 2007 by losing 3-1 to Germany but picked up later with a 1-1 home draw against Argentina and a 2-1 win over a weakened Holland with two goals from Tranquillo Barnetta. Later, however, came defeats by Japan, the United States, Nigeria and, this year, England and Germany again.
Kuhn is having to recast his defence and midfield. Injuries have all but ruled out centre-back Patrick Muller and playmaker Xavier Margairaz. At least Borussia Dortmund striker Alexander Frei is just about recovering fitness after an injury-wrecked year.
The Swiss use a strict zonal defence which demands that Philippe Senderos regains the commanding form he showed at the World Cup rather than the hesitancy evident more recently for Arsenal. Another probable Premier League-based starter will be midfielder Gelson Fernandes, even though his appearances for Manchester City have been spasmodic.
Switzerland have talent. Barnetta and Johan Vonlanthen are lively, tormenting wide men at their best, and Basle’s 19-year-old Eren Derdiyok could be a “discovery” of the tournament.
Much rests on the tournament’s opening match, against the Czechs in Basle on June 7. Anything less than a win, however achieved, risks major damage to morale and prospects.
Interview with Switzerland coach Kobi Kuhn
Interview with Switzerland's Alexander Frei
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