How Switzerland became a European Championship title contender

A thought on Saturday evening during the Swiss European Championship round of 16 in Berlin: how small the defending champion Italy is making itself, how sad the outsider football of the proud football country is, how uninspired and slow, how error-filled and weak.

Another thought: These Swiss are playing like a title contender. With courage and a flow of combinations, with joy and aggression, with dominance and determination, with organization and optimism, always in balance and without hecticness. With all the characteristics that characterize great teams.

These are two unheard-of thoughts that would not have been considered just a few months ago. The Swiss team’s 2-0 victory and, above all, the way they performed against Italy have pushed boundaries. The unthinkable has become thinkable. The images from Berlin’s Olympic Stadium sent out clear signals, and the ambitious, focused Swiss national players provided the sound with their calm statements. “For me, this is the best time in the national team,” said the outstanding defensive leader Manuel Akanji. “And we’re not finished yet.”

The Swiss are close to the summit of their long journey. They have suffered setbacks, have matured as a result, have learned to take one step at a time. This applies to no one more than to Granit Xhaka, the captain who, at 31, is giving the impression that he is at peace with himself for the first time at a finals. No emotional Serbia games, no scandals, no skirmishes with the media, no trouble with the national coach, no rash actions, statements or appearances.

The great experience of the footballers in the axis

The development of Xhaka is a testament to the evolution of the Swiss national team. A unit has grown together, in a roundabout way and over the years, and is ready to write history. First semi-final? Why not the final in Berlin? Even winning the title?

It is remarkable how coach Murat Yakin and his staff reacted after the partly disastrous international season of 2023.

An example: Ricardo Rodriguez belongs in the team with his calmness, experience and ball security, but in a back four he is not dynamic enough as a left-back – in a back three he fits perfectly as a left-footer, especially since he can ideally support the left winger defensively.

Another example: Granit Xhaka now plays in the position he is best suited to, in midfield directly in front of the defence, with Remo Freuler, a hard worker and a strong runner, at his side. Or: Fabian Schär, who was a shaky candidate under Yakin for a long time, is now undisputed; with his great opening play, he is an important factor in the build-up.

It goes on like this, from back to front.

The Swiss team’s core, with goalkeeper Yann Sommer, defenders Rodriguez, Akanji and Schär, and central midfielders Xhaka and Freuler, has 561 international matches under their belts, and these six footballers have played together in over 50 matches. So far, they have made it through the tournament without any serious injuries or suspensions. Silvan Widmer, who was suspended against Italy, and striker Breel Embolo have also been there for many years.

Young players have developed brilliantly alongside them. Ruben Vargas set up the 1-0 against Italy and scored the 2-0 with a fantastic curler. Dan Ndoye with his speed and Fabian Rieder with his game intelligence are the newcomers; they bring energy, determination and commitment.

Bold decisions, amazing squad breadth

Almost every tactical and personnel decision made by Yakin and his staff has proven to be a hit at this European Championship. Some of the decisions were bold, but they were made thanks to strong scouting of the opponents, detailed analysis and a willingness to take unusual approaches. This can be seen in the outside positions, which were filled against Italy by footballers who would not have been expected there six months ago: Michel Aebischer on the left and Ndoye on the right.

It is important to the Swiss coaching staff to have footballers like Aebischer and Rieder, who are actually central builders, with their playing qualities in the team – now on the left in midfield or in a half position in the offense. Both are characterized by a high level of passing accuracy, and Rieder is also a brilliant taker of corners and free kicks.

And so this Swiss team plays very attractive football. With lots of ball possession phases and strong transition moments. Switzerland is combining the best elements of two completely opposing philosophies at this European Championship. It also doesn’t matter that the best striker by far, Embolo, is not in top form after a long injury break.

The European Championship squad also includes footballers such as goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and midfielder Ardon Jashari, who could play important roles in the coming years.

In any case, the depth of the Swiss squad is remarkable and significantly better than at the last tournaments. There are players in the team who have been among the top performers for years or are considered to be beacons of hope, but who have made surprisingly little or no contribution to the success of this European Championship: defender Nico Elvedi, midfielder Denis Zakaria, strikers Zeki Amdouni and Noah Okafor – and above all: Xherdan Shaqiri. He scored perhaps the most beautiful goal of the European Championship against Scotland, but otherwise he was not used.

Shaqiri’s alleged lack of fitness and defensive weaknesses are not a central issue. And yet, if Switzerland ever falls behind, the artist’s magical moments could be needed again.