Swiss national team
A substitute is the best, but five unsatisfactory – those are the marks of the Swiss national team in the 2-1 win against the USA
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Thanks to goals from Rodriguez and Zuber, the Swiss footballers win their first test match before the European Championship against the USA 2-1. Nevertheless, there is still a lot of room for improvement. Why? Read our individual review.
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Spectacular flight: goalkeeper summer.
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Yann Sommer, goalkeeper, grade 4.5
No chance when conceding a goal. Then challenged once or twice and fulfilled these tasks with confidence. Occasionally brought into tricky situations by his teammates, in future the ball should move the ball far away faster in such moments.
Nico Elvedi, central defender, grade 4
A half that will hardly be remembered forever. His break free before the 0: 1 failed, but you can’t really blame him for that. Even then, sometimes a bit hesitant – that will change at the EM.
–Back to the torn knee ligament: Fabian Schär.
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Fabian Schär, central defender, grade 4.5
The most important finding: his knee holds. In any case, nothing can be seen of an injury result. The 90 minutes of play will give him confidence for the next few weeks. Solid appearance.
Loris Benito, central defender, grade 4
He doesn’t make mistakes. He doesn’t take unnecessary risks. But it is therefore also a bit predictable. More should come, especially when it comes to triggering the game.
Silvan Widmer, right full-back, grade 5
With him you can feel more than any other that he wants to recommend himself. Good body language, present on the field, great rushes. It’s nice how he prepares it 1: 1. Later he also takes out the penalty. A little less noticeable in the second half because other actors wake up too. Conclusion: He presented in the fight with Mbabu for the EM starting place.
Denis Zakaria, midfielder, grade 3.5
No, it’s still not in its old shape. Can’t hide that he’s had a complicated season. Overtaxed as the sole assistant to Xhaka, later a little more effective with the support of Freuler.
–Not exactly overly inspired: Granit Xhaka.
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Granit Xhaka, midfielder, grade 3.5
As captain he goes ahead and gives the direction. It should be noted from the start, however, that this is a test match and not already a European Championship. Too hesitant, too timid, too casual. The good thing is: Everyone knows that a completely different Xhaka will be seen at the EM.
Ricardo Rodriguez, left full-back, grade 4.5
What did he have to suffer this season! At Torino on the sidelines, but still valued and undisputed regular player in the national team. After ten minutes he scored a goal. Could even double later with his penalty – but this weak attempt fits in with the past few months. In the second half until the substitution he was used as the left central defender, in this position he can give the team more thanks to his calm on the ball and his passes.
–An evening to forget: Xherdan Shaqiri.
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Xherdan Shaqiri, Spielmacher, Note 3
The hope for magic passes quickly fades. Right from the start there were a lot of inaccuracies and mistakes, few creative moments. Obviously, he’s not really into this game. It says it all that the Swiss will do much better in the second half without him.
–Where’s the looseness? Breel Embolo.
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Breel Embolo, left striker, grade 3
He stumbles. He shoots. He is desperate. It’s not his evening. And therefore somehow symptomatic of the past season. Twice he appears all alone in front of the gate, twice he fails miserably. The question is: will he find the looseness that once characterized him before the start of the European Championship?
Haris Seferovic, right striker, grade 3.5
He’s had much better games too. Often left alone. Could also score a goal at the end – with a view to his actually top form at the moment, we can hope that he saved it for the European Championship.
Manuel Akanji, central defender, grade 4.5
With him, Switzerland is less distressed than without him. This is certainly due to him. Without mistakes. And some strong releases. (Substituted for Elvedi in the 46th minute.)
–Immediate influence after being substituted on: Remo Freuler.
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Remo Freuler, midfielder, grade 5
The best Swiss that evening. Its influence is immediately visible. Lots of ball conquests and good passes. Sets the pace and inspires teammates to improve their performance. Missed the crowning glory in the form of a goal. (Substituted for Shaqiri in the 46th minute.)
Steven Zuber, left full-back, grade 5
Introduces himself with a bad pass that almost led to 1: 2. Then increases massively. Nice move, some good dribbles. Is rewarded with the victory gate. You can’t tell by looking that he only played a few minutes at Frankfurt this season. (Substituted for Benito in the 46th minute.)
Too short in the game for a rating:
Eray Cömert (came on for Rodriguez in the 68th minute).
Admir Mehmedi (came on for Embolo in the 68th minute).
Christian Fassnacht (came on for Seferovic in the 84th minute.)
