Switzerland squad
Goalkeepers
Diego BENAGLIO
08.09.83
Wolfsburg (Ger)
10 caps (0 goals)
Kuhn finally seems to have plumped for the giant keeper as his first-choice. Benaglio, who offers authority and sharp reflexes, came good at Portugal’s Nacional. Joined Wolfsburg in January.
Eldin JAKUPOVIC
02.10.84
Lokomotiv Moscow/ on loan with Grasshoppers
0 caps (0 goals)
He has dual citizenship, both Bosnian and Swiss, and has represented both at Under-21 level.
Pascal ZUBERBUHLER
08.01.71
Neuchatel Xamax
50 caps (0 goals)
A corpulent last line of defence with great shot-stopping ability but his lack of concentration makes him prone to mistakes. Played in all four of Switzerland’s games at the last World Cup.
Defenders
Philipp DEGEN
15.02.83
Borussia Dortmund (Ger)
29 caps (0 goals)
The first-choice right-back is battling to be fit after a groin operation. Can be devastating going forward but coaches often reproach him for taking too many risks.
Johan DJOUROU
18.01.87
Arsenal (Eng)
16 caps (1 goal)
Quick, athletic and composed, he is vying with Eggimann for a central defensive spot. Can also play as a midfield holder. Djourou, whose father is Ivorian, has had a loan spell at Birmingham.
Stephane GRICHTING
30.03.79
Auxerre (Fra)
12 caps (0 goals)
After Switzerland beat Turkey in the deciding qualifier to 2006 FIFA World Cup, he was injured in the riots that occurred after the match. Single-minded but one-paced central defender. Also has experience at left-back.
Stephan LICHTSTEINER
16.01.84
Lille (Fra)
5 caps (0 goals)
Began his career at Grasshopper Zurich in 2001/02, and come the next year he became a first-team member, helping the Swiss team gain the league title. Battling right-back who is always eager to push on but can be imprecise with his passes.
Ludovic MAGNIN
20.04.79
Stuttgart (Ger)
48 caps (3 goals)
The left-back is adventurous and intensely competitive, and his shots and free-kicks are a major part of the team’s attacking armoury. Has a relatively fragile physique, however.
Philippe SENDEROS
14.02.85
Arsenal (Eng)
26 caps (3 goals)
Some in the English media think the Arsenal centre-back is not tough enough and tends to freeze in the headlights. But Kuhn has not shied from making him the organiser of his back four.
Christoph SPYCHER
30.03.78
Eintracht Frankfurt (Ger)
38 caps (0 goals)
Often under-rated left-back who makes up for his lack of height with grit and supports the attack ably if not stylishly. A good, solid pro. Qualified in business management.
Midfielders
Tranquillo BARNETTA
22.05.85
Bayer Leverkusen (Ger)
32 caps (6 goals)
Probably Switzerland’s most important player. Whether used on the left of midfield or at the point of a diamond, his extreme pace, mobility and unselfishness give the side another dimension.
Valon BEHRAMI
19.04.85
Lazio (Ita)
14 caps (1 goal)
The Kosovo-born bundle of vitality offers fighting spirit and creativity. Set to get the right midfield berth. Can also play at right-back. Flash off the pitch, with his designer clothes and Porsche.
Ricardo CABANAS
20.04.79
Grasshoppers
47 caps (4 goals)
Of Galician-Spaniard descent, Cabanas started his career with Grasshoppers Zürich and played there for several seasons before moving to Cologne. Now back with Grasshoppers.
Gokhan INLER
27.06.84
Udinese (Ita)
15 caps (1 goal)
The talented defensive midfielder, the son of Turkish immigrants, has settled in well at Udinese (from Zurich). Strong in the tackle, reads the game well and passes quickly and accurately.
Hakan YAKIN
22.02.77
Young Boys
64 caps (15 goals)
The playmaker can be a creative marvel on his day, delicate of touch and a free-kick master. But his inconsistency means Kuhn will use him as an impact player rather than a first-choice.
Forwards
Eren DERDIYOK
12.06.88
Basle
2 caps (1 goal)
Fearless, skilful and aerially strong striker who scored a memorable goal on his debut against England in February. Has become a cult hero at Basle in his first pro season. Can fill in at centre-back.
Alexander FREI
15.07.79
Borussia Dortmund (Ger)
57 caps (32 goals)
Captain and the team’s No 1 source of goals. Offers cute movement in the box and dead-eye finishing but lacks match practice having only recently returned after a long injury lay-off.
Daniel GYGAX
28.08.81
Metz (Fra)
32 caps (5 goals)
Quick and tricky customer on the right wing and can also do a decent job just behind the strikers or in central midfield. Likes to do the occasional stint as a club DJ and is into body piercings.
Marco STRELLER
18.06.81
Basle
26 caps (11 goals)
The tall striker does not contribute much to the approach play but takes his chances well, with head or foot. At club level, he has not fulfilled the promise he showed in his early days because of injuries.
Johan VONLANTHEN
01.02.86
Salzburg (Aut)
28 caps (5 goals)
Pacy, opportunistic and technically gifted front-runner also able to operate in a more withdrawn role on the right of midfield. Born in Colombia but has a Swiss stepfather.
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