How to get past Ukraine?!
So, here we are – tonight is the biggest match for Swiss footall in more than a decade. And as it is Ukraine’s first appearance on the World stage, this goes both ways around. I reckon, after all the moaning and whinging by the Koreans, we will see a match and a result that both fan sides can accept – as we’re both glad to be here!
What lies ahead of tonight? First off all, as many probably know, our hero against Korea, Philippe Senderos is out of the WC. He dislocated his shoulder and will be out at least 4 weeks. That’s not good for him and Switzerland. However, as strange as it may sound, we might very well have a replacement for Senderos: Johann Djourou. Djourou has at least the same talent as Senderos, a fact that the Arsenal spies have spotted a long time ago. He has played for the national tea before and delivered a world class performance in the warm-up friendly against Italy. Now, obviously, he’s only 19 and definitely has not the experience of a Senderos (haha, who is 21!). He’s going to be up against Europe’s best striker. There you have a way to start your international career! Hopefully Mueller will pick up his game again (Great against Togo, insecure against Korea) and give the youngster some support.
Given this ‘insecurity factor’ in the central defense, I woulnd’t be surprised if we’d see Spycher again instead of Magnin. Which would really be a shame, as Magnin is a crucial factor in our game forward. I think, with Vogel playing a error-free WC so far, we could put the responsibility on him to see that Shevshenko doesn’t see a ball and let Magnin rush forward on the side.
The other big question is, how we’re going to play up-front. Frei is obviously set. The most attacking possibility would be Frei – Streller – Yakin or Frei – Gygax – Yakin. I think, we’re going to play with one striker only, as Barnetta and Yakin are both offensively oriented already.
We shall see what Kuhn has in mind. So far he surprised the public and the media at each game with his line-up. And obviously the opponents as well. What does he have in store to upset Ukraine?
I’m looking forward to tonight and hope for a good game. May the better team win!
Please, can someone learn already? It’s called “Ukraine”, not “The Ukraine”. It’s the official name of the country. There is no “The” in front of Ukraine. Sports commentators just haven’t caught up with the official name yet. I’m sorry but this bothers the hell out of me every time I hear it.
Good luck to Switzerland and certainly they are the favourites in this match after their great group performances.
Sorry guys! I corrected the spellings. I understand that this is a bother to you.
Posted from
Australia
Thank you very much!! And good luck !=)
ukraine is the last team arrive german, that why bad performance in first match due to whether. Following match has show real strength! tonight facing Switzerkand is tough match as Switzerland has good defence.
Good show tonight.
Posted from
Malaysia
Looking forward to the show down! especially to see how Djourou handles Sheva. I really hope we play attacking football and see some end to end stuff. Frei/Yakin combination for me as they both played really well last game and i will stick to my opinion that we need that creative spark in the midfield as well as the free kick deliveries! Game on I say. Hopp Schwiizzzz!!!
Posted from
United Kingdom
I thought England were boring, but the Swiss are even worse–the comments on this page seem to sum it up- “well at least we wont concede a goal”. Just what the football world needs. Why not try to challenge the Swiss stereotype rather than reinforce it. At least Germany try to win. Please stick to making money and clocks!
Posted from
United Kingdom
Buen partido~
Comments are closed

World







* spelling error in your article, Ukraine is missing an E
**also, you don’t need “the” in front of Ukraine, its just Ukraine
anyways, you have a key defender missing in action from the game, so do we, Rusol, he’s suspended because of 2 yellows
should be a good game, good luck boys
Posted from
United States