World Cup 2022 Group G: Switzerland out to prove doubters wrong again

For Switzerland, the 2022 World Cup provides yet another opportunity to correct the critics. At last summer’s European Championships, the Rossocrociati stunned favourites France in the Round of 16, but that wasn’t to be their only notable upset over the past 18 months.

Much like group rivals Serbia, Switzerland edged out a football heavyweight to top their Word Cup qualifying group. Two draws against reigning European champions Italy saw them finish first in Group C, leaving the Azzuri to play North Macedonia in a playoff. For the Swiss, it served as confirmation that Euro 2020 was no fluke.

While Switzerland don’t quite have the same star power as Serbia, they arguably have more quality across the team. Experience can be all-important in big tournaments, which the likes of Granit Xhaka, Xherdan Shaqiri, and Ricardo Rodriguez provide in spades.

All three represented Switzerland at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, with Shaqiri even playing in South Africa 12 years ago. That star trio, supplemented by the talented Manuel Akanji in defence, Yann Sommer in goal, and Breel Embolo up front, gives the side a spine of real quality.

The man in charge is former Swiss international Murat Yakin, who took over from Vladimir Petkovic in July 2021.

Under the 47-year-old, Switzerland sealed qualification to the 2022 World Cup in style, although recent results have been less consistent. Their low point was a 4-0 Nations League defeat to Portugal in June, from which the Swiss recovered well to earn a 1-0 win over the same opponents a week later.

Switzerland manager Murat Yakin celebrates after the World Cup qualifying win over Bulgaria in November, 2021. EPA

On their day, Switzerland are capable of beating just about any side in world