Switzerland will be appearing at the World Cup for the ninth time in South Africa, where coach Ottmar Hitzfeld and his men are aiming for more than just a supporting role.
The Swiss boast a healthy blend of youth and experience and are hoping to at least emulate the achievements of their forebears who made the last eight in 1934, 1938 and 1954.
The road to South Africa
The team made an inauspicious start on the road to the 2010 finals. After drawing against Israel a defeat to Luxembourg was a wake up call and was followed by five wins in a row. A 3-0 revenge victory in Luxembourg and a goalless draw with Israel sealed the top spot for them in the European Group 2.
Star players
Alexander Frei is the undisputed chief on and off the field of play. The Basel striker, who is his country’s all-time record goalscorer, was Hitzfeld’s natural choice as national team captain. He finished the qualifying campaign on five goals.
The coach
Ottmar Hitzfeld is one of Europe’s most highly regarded and most successful senior coaches. He is one of only two men to guide two different clubs to Uefa (Union of European Football Associations) Champions League glory. He became Switzerland coach in 2008.
Facts
- In South Africa, Switzerland will be appearing at the World Cup for the ninth time.
- The Swiss reached the quarterfinals in 1934, 1938 and 1954. They were knocked out in the Round of 16 at the 2006 finals in Germany.