It would almost become a habit. The France team will once again find Switzerland on its way, this time for the knockout stages of this Euro 2021, Monday at 9 p.m. This was already the case at Euro 2016, in groups, as well as at the 2014 World Cup, again in the group stage. This time it will be a knockout game.
The Helvetian first round was sluggish, with a draw against Wales (1-1) on Matchday 1, when they led 1-0, before taking a rouste against the Italians (3-0 ). It was ultimately their 2-0 victory against Turkey, one of the tournament’s most disappointing teams, which allowed them to snatch this 3rd qualifying place.
Multiple influences
“They received a torrent of criticism after the loss against Italy, which was not all justified, especially on the desire to wet the jersey. But the players singled out like Xhaka or Shaqiri are also those who have been able to raise their level of play to obtain qualification, ”says David Lemos, who comments on the Nati matches for Swiss Radio Television.
These are the players who have brought an identity to this team. “Switzerland is a rich country in football with influences from neighboring leagues: Italy, Germany and France. But also through the political history of the country, and the arrival of Kosovars and Albanians after the war in Yugoslavia. These players, like Xhaka, Seferovic or Shaqiri brought a Latin touch. Strictly speaking, there is no Swiss identity, rather there are multiple influences, ”explains Nicolas Dyon, physical trainer at OGC Nice, and formerly at the Grasshoper in Zurich and Lugano.
A Latin influence in the game, but also and above all results in major international competitions. The Swiss have systematically qualified for the round of 16 since the 2014 World Cup. “Only France and Belgium have managed to qualify for the last four major tournaments, proof of the feat”, recalls David Lemos.
The glass ceiling of the 8th
Except that they systematically come up against a glass ceiling, once they have qualified for the 8th. “It’s like there is a complex. In 2014 you lost against Argentina, a big team, in the 118th minute, in 2016 you lost against Poland, a team within your reach, on penalties, and in 2018, rebel, you were eliminated against Sweden , there too a team at your fingertips. Whether you meet a big team, or a weaker team, it never goes through. Taking this step against France will be far from easy, ”recalls Arnaud Cerutti. The latter, also a journalist for the RTS, does not bet on a miracle: “There is a risk that Switzerland will be completely eaten up against France, which is a team of major tournaments. The Blues can really laugh against us ”.
“The greatest achievement of Swiss football”?
For David Lemos, this would be the right time to finally see a little further: “In any case, they start out as winners because we don’t expect them to qualify. If they were to pass it would be the greatest achievement of Swiss football. And it is Shaqiri who could unblock this situation. “He’s the one who has always given this team a step forward, in 2014 you have to win the last match, he scores a hat-trick, in 2016 you are down 1-0 in the eighth, he scores the best goal of the tournament for equalize. In 2008, it was he who scored the winning goal in the second group match, and this year it was he who scored twice to qualify against Turkey, ”he lists.
The physical trainer Nicolas Dyon, for his part, wants to believe in a rise in power of the Nati. “She has not yet shown her true face because she was not physically ready. Many players have lost their starting position in their club, they have played very little this season. Their physical condition improves as the competition progresses. So be careful, the France team must be wary because this team can be formidable. Everything is possible, especially since they have nothing to lose, everyone sees them already eliminated and that is their greatest chance, ”he recalls.