Switzerland Announce World Cup Squad

[...] Switzerland’s team is young, but does not lack for talent. In a bit of a surprise, coach Koebi Kuhn did not call up playmaker Hakan Yakin. The Swiss coach opted to go with uncapped Basel midfielder David Degen who just happens to have a twin brother Phillip on the team. I bet their parents are pretty proud today. [...]

Posted from  United States

[...] SWITZERLAND [...]

Posted from  United States

As a suppprter of BSC Young Boys Bern and in regard to a good performance of the national side at the WC, I am a bit disappointed about Hakan Yakin not being nominated.
What is especially strange about it is, that aparently Kobi Kuhn gave him a chance to proof that he’s fit and willing (Yaking was injured for a big part of the past season). And at the right time, Yakin found his form and showed why he is considered the most creative and dangerous offensive midfielder by many. However, Yakin was rejected on the grouds that he has a ’somewhat difficult character’. Well, if that is the reason to not take him to the cup, one could have made the decision before, right?
I think it’s wrong to not take Yakin. Even if he is lazy on the pitch once in a while, he’s always good for a goal or the ‘deadly pass’. And on the tournament one goal or one ingenious pass can decide a lot.

Posted from  Australia

[...] SWITZERLAND Playmaker Koebi Kuhn left off squad. Uncapped Basel midfielder David Degen makes it. [...]

Posted from  United States

I think Kuhn made a good decision by not selecting Yakin. During the last few seasons he prooved that he’s not the kind of player we are going to miss during the wc. Playing one good game at the end of the season does not make up for it. They qualified withouth him and there should be enough talent in the midfield (Barnetta, Degen, Behrami.) to eventually succeed in their group. What makes me doubt more about our chances is goalkeeper “Zubi”. If he stays No.1 we can nickname our team “suicide commando”!

Posted from  China

Ralph. Yes, we did qualify - but in what manner? Yes, two draws agains France is ok. But what about the 4 draws against Israel and Ireland? We have a very average team and HY is without doubt the single most creative midfielder in Switzerland. A player who can make the difference, even if he just comes in a joker, which he said he would have no problem doing. Yes, Barnetta is good and will be a important part of the Euro2008 team. But at the moment is is not experienced enough to carry the team. Degen is solid but boring and Behrami, while a very good palyer, is a defensive midfielder (or defender). You have to compare HY to the players we have on that position: Cabanas (I like Richi, but he has by no means the class of HY)and Dezmaili (you must be joking if you think Dezmaili is better than Yakin).
And by the way, he was not not selected because of a bad form (he played more than just one good game), but because of his character. That’s just typical Swiss ‘greyness’. Would England leave Rooney at home because of his character? I seriously doubt it.
Ah well, I hope they won’t look pathetic during the WC.

Posted from  Australia