The Swiss national team wants to erase the loss against Denmark in Geneva against Spain – without captain Xhaka.
Three days after the turbulent 0:2 loss to Denmark, the Swiss national team faces another test. In the Stade de Genève, none other than the reigning European champions are guests. Against the Spaniards, the complete failure at the start of the Nations League must be prevented and the frustration from Copenhagen forgotten.
Even though the match in Denmark’s capital ended with a lot of Swiss frustration, there were also positives to note that can be built upon: For large parts of the first half, the build-up play and pressing reminded one of the performances delivered at the European Championship, and in goal, Gregor Kobel made a good debut as the successor to Yann Sommer.
Against Spain, Switzerland will especially need to create more surprise moments in the offense. The team of coach Murat Yakin may benefit from the fact that the Iberians are also under pressure after a goalless draw against Serbia. They struggled against the defensive Serbs and are likely to create a more open game than the long-retreating Danes.
Yakin dispenses with secrecy
Yakin brought clarity the day before the match. Denis Zakaria and Gregory Wüthrich replace Granit Xhaka and Nico Elvedi. Zakaria sat next to the national coach at the last press conference before the match, and Gregory Wüthrich first received praise from Yakin for his international debut last Thursday and then the promise of a starting place. The 29-year-old from Sturm Graz will form the central defense alongside Manuel Akanji and Ricardo Rodriguez.
Home game for Zakaria
Zakaria is set for his 57th international match. The native Genevan is to replace playmaker Xhaka at the sold-out Stade de Genève, just as he did in the 2021 European Championship quarterfinal against Spain. “We need a similar game as back then,” predicts the AS Monaco captain, who barely played in the last European Championship due to injury.
We play at home, we do not want to be pushed back, but show the game that distinguishes us
For the third consecutive time, Switzerland is hosting the titleholder in their first gathering after a European Championship. In 2016, there was a 2:0 victory against Portugal, and in 2021, a 0:0 draw against Italy. With Spain, the SFV selection has had no bad experiences lately: since the sensational success at the 2010 World Cup, there has been another victory, 3 draws, and 2 losses, with the most painful defeat – in the quarterfinals of the 2021 European Championship – statistically being a draw.
Yakin demands that his team acts boldly again on Sunday evening. “We play at home, we do not want to be pushed back, but show the game that distinguishes us.” To keep up with the Spaniards, a lot of running willingness, won duels, and good efficiency are needed. Off the pitch, the national coach can still count on Granit Xhaka, who has remained with the team despite his suspension.