ATS
Switzerland beat Latvia 4-0 in Kloten, the day after their 5-1 success against the same opponent in Lausanne. These two victories bode well in the preparation for the next World Cup.
With the two previous successes obtained against France, Patrick Fischer’s men are on a series of four victories. Beyond the figures, Switzerland, more in shape than a week before, has reassured somewhat two weeks before its first match in Ostrava.
Saturday’s performance was, however, slightly less positive than that of the day before. The power play still works on alternating current, the opportunities will not have been legion and the penalties too numerous (five). We will further highlight the defensive aggressiveness of the Helvetians which made it possible to reduce Latvia’s real chances to a minimum during the first two thirds and a very effective box-play.
In the goals, both Leonardo Genoni (Friday) and Reto Berra (Saturday) dominated their subject. Finally, the arrival of the Zug trio Herzog-Senteler-Simion is another reason for satisfaction for Patrick Fischer.
Loeffel decisive
In this second duel in less than 24 hours, Switzerland opened the scoring with Romain Loeffel (9th). Chaux-de-Fonnier then made the decisive pass on the 2-0, 5 against 4, from Dario Simion (34th). Herzog made it 3-0, breaking, in the 45th, and Kessler crossed the empty goal at the end of the game (60th).
From Thursday, Switzerland will play its last three pre-World Cup matches, against Sweden, Finland and the Czech Republic against whom the national team has not won this season.
fazw, ats
