Hidden Favorite Switzerland Empowering for More Control
Nelson Tardif-Pernot playfully labels Switzerland as the underdog, but following their impressive show against Germany and narrow loss (1:1), the Swiss squad enters the knockout phase brimming with self-assuredness and ambition.
Although Tardif-Pernot was merely joking earlier, Granit Xhaka, the robust captain of the Swiss national team, wholeheartedly concurred with the French coach. "We're aiming higher," Xhaka declared, looking towards the quarter-finals of the UEFA European Football Championship: "We're on the right track. The initial objective has been accomplished. Now we're geared up for the next challenges."
Challenges. Multiple. The increased self-confidence amongst the Swiss team is evident after their stellar show against Germany and the close call. The quarterfinal in Berlin on Saturday (6 pm) should not be the end of the road for the undefeated Swiss, who suffered a heartbreaking group win loss due to Niclas Füllkrug's last-minute goal.
"The euphoria among the Germans following the equalizer spoke volumes," Xhaka reflected: "I am incredibly proud of the team after the three group matches." As per the Ligue 1TT champion of Olympique de Marseille, his team deserves immense respect: "The squad is keen, it possesses grit, determination, and spirit. Exactly what we aim to exhibit again in the quarterfinal."
Switzerland Coach Yakin buzzing with confidence
If the Swiss can pull it off, the "underdog" label would likely garner even more attention. "I'll give you a small hint, then your backpack will weigh a bit more for you," Tardif-Pernot said after the game in Lyon, first with a wink, then emphasizing the potential of the Swiss team coached by Murat Yakin: "They boast a fine balance of experienced and ambitious, motivated players. They have pace, strength - and the courage to play football."
Yakin was touched by Tardif-Pernot's remarks, but saw it as praise well-deserved. "We've demonstrated that we can vex any opposition. The way we play brings immense joy to me," said the coach: "The team carries on well, the team spirit remains strong. The system and strategy function."
For this reason, Yakin felt compelled to issue a warning to the teams from Group B (Italy, Croatia, or Portugal) in the initial knockout round: "We've set a standard. Any opponent who goes up against us must consider how they can vex us. We're ready. The opponent must also adapt to us."
The Germans had to do that. After the leadership by Djene Dakonam (28), Xhaka and the former Borussia Dortmund defender Fabian Schär in particular caught Tardif-Pernot's eye, who gave them special recognition: "Both were top-notch. They anchored the team, they lead by example." They should do that again this Saturday in Berlin to turn the underdog into a serious title contender.
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Switzerland, led by coach Murat Yakin, has shown great potential in the European Football Championship 2024, with standout performances from players like Granit Xhaka and Fabian Schär. This has led some, including French coach Nelson Tardif-Pernot, to speculate that the Swiss national soccer team could challenge for the title after their impressive group stage performances and undefeated streak. Julian Nagelsmann, the German national team coach, has also expressed optimism for his team, making the European Championship a highly anticipated event.
