If Switzerland wants to manage the coup against France, a lot depends on whether Vladimir Petkovic’s team can overcome their weaker self and not collapse at the first resistance.
From strolling against Italy (0: 3) and showing off in the last hope game against Turkey (3: 1), Switzerland seems capable of anything. Above all: Haris Seferovic, who bears a lot of responsibility with his position as striker and first defender.
Driven by the goal
There is this one scene in the 19th minute against Turkey that documents that positively. It is a plot by Haris Seferovic that reveals a lot about its form. Somewhat atypical for him anticipates a dangerous cross pass in front of the Swiss penalty area.
Still in the frenzy of his leading goal, which he scored 13 minutes earlier, he sprints back from the center line and stops the attack by the Turks. Strong! The national team is in possession again and Seferovic immediately looks for his actual fighting zone as a striker.
Bad timing
Seferovic remains vicious and only seven minutes later, with his advance into the Turkish sixteen, offers the template for Zuber, who feeds Shaqiri with a pass to make it 2-0.
But there is this other scene against Italy after around 20 minutes, when Seferovic cannot find the timing after a kick from Yann Sommer and loses a header duel on the center line despite physical superiority.
It can happen, but instead of pursuing it and getting the ball back, the man from Sursee allows himself a break and takes a leisurely stroll into nowhere.
The counterattack after the criticism
The Schlendrian apparently radiates to the whole team. The joy of running and access to the game are missing. A few minutes later, the Italians score the first goal. Seferovic will be replaced by Gavranoivc at the break.
There was criticism, later the counterattack against Turkey. For Seferovic there is only one explanation for the different body language: “I always give full throttle, I’m not an egoist! Either we all run together or we each do it alone – and it doesn’t work. “