Switzerland, a team that has never reached the last four of a major international tournament, is set to face England in a highly anticipated Euro 2024 clash on Saturday.
The Swiss team, led by coach Murat Yakin, has shown they can compete with the top teams, having eliminated the defending champions Italy last weekend and coming close to defeating hosts Germany.
“We sent out an important signal tonight with the game we played,” Yakin said after the victory over Italy. “We did not only club together and defend as a unit and sit back, we showed we could attack and dominate proceedings.”
Switzerland’s squad may not boast many stars, with Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka and Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji being the most notable names, but they have proven to be more than the sum of their parts.
Their cohesive team play has brought them to their second consecutive Euros quarter-final, with a historic semi-final within reach if they can overcome England.
The Swiss team’s drive has been bolstered by Bologna teammates Dan Ndoye, Michel Aebischer, and Remo Freuler.
These players have been instrumental in Switzerland’s progress, each contributing goals or assists in three of the team’s four matches.
Freuler set up Ndoye’s goal against Germany and scored against Italy, while Aebischer has scored once and assisted twice, including on Ruben Vargas’ stunning goal that secured victory over Italy.
Switzerland also features Kwadwo Duah, the first player born in England to score at this year’s Euros, although the Ludogorets striker is expected to start on the bench, with Monaco forward Breel Embolo leading the attack.
England defender John Stones acknowledged the Swiss team’s prowess, saying, “How they’ve played this tournament and the players they’ve got, they’ve been brilliant.
They’ve got some great players and I think it will be a really good match up, a test for us.”
If Switzerland manages to defeat England, they will face either the Netherlands or Turkey in the semi-finals.
The knockout bracket has resulted in a concentration of top teams on the other side, with hosts Germany and Spain, and Portugal and France, all set to clash in the upcoming matches.
Reflecting on his team’s journey, Yakin expressed his pride and determination, “It really sends a tingle down your spine, gives you goosebumps, it’s hugely gratifying.
We’re on the right track and doing things the right way. We’ve earned the right to be here but we’re not done yet.”
As Switzerland prepares for their showdown with England, the team and their fans hope for a continuation of their remarkable run in Euro 2024.
