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The victory in Spain gives the Nati a completely different perspective on the Nations League final – and last but not least the World Cup.
It wasn’t just revenge for the lost quarter-finals of the European Championship last year: the fact that Switzerland was able to win in Spain for the first time is worth more than just the three points, which clearly improved the starting position in the Nations League relegation battle.
If the beginning of the campaign with three defeats in a row was still completely unsuccessful, the Nati have now beaten two top-class players in a row with Portugal and Spain.
Yakin’s tactical considerations pay off
“The insights from the four previous games have gotten better and better,” said coach Murat Yakin happily in an interview. Compared to the “first leg” in Geneva, which was lost 1-0, they got into the game better and gained security from it. “It was a mature, solidary performance. You don’t have much possession of the ball against Spain.”
If the players stay healthy, that can certainly be a good nomination.
However, the team adapted extremely well. “We knew about their strengths and tried to surprise them with fast vertical play. They worked hard against the ball.” The coach singled out the performance of Djibril Sow, whom he had put on Spain captain Sergio Busquets. “That was the key position. He did a lot of teamwork.”
For Yakin, his team for the World Cup seems to be crystallizing more and more. The axis with goalie Yann Sommer, the back four around the clear defensive leader Manuel Akanji, Captain Granit Xhaka and striker Breel Embolo. “If the players stay healthy, that can certainly be a good nomination,” said the coach with regard to Qatar.
Akanji in the high – but not completely satisfied
Akanji, who scored his first goal in the national team, found positives and negatives in his performance. “I’m very pleased that I was able to contribute to a win with two scorer points,” said the defender, who seems to be blossoming after his move to Manchester City.
The fly in the ointment: “I’m not satisfied with the actions I had in this game with the ball at my feet.” Too often he was forced by the rebellious Spaniards to play wide balls. Akanji also complained about the yellow card for complaints, which will see him suspended in the next game. “That is incomprehensible to me.”
Embolo passes on the laurels
Embolo, who was worried about the second Swiss goal (“I had the feeling that I touched something”), didn’t want to talk long about his goal. “We were compact and got the three points. That’s the only thing that counts.”
The defensive work of the collective was at the origin of the victory. “We knew that if we wanted to take something with us from here, we had to appear that way. We showed a very good team performance.”