After waiting 31 years to win over Italy, will Switzerland break a new black streak? She will meet England on Saturday in Düsseldorf in the quarter-finals of the Euro, whom she has not beaten for… 43 years.
On May 30, 1981 in Basel in the “old” St-Jacques stadium, the selection then led by Paul Wolfisberg won 2-1 against the Three Lions with successes before the half-hour mark from Fredy Scheiwiler and Claudio Sulser. This victory, as beautiful as it was, was of no use. The Swiss did not qualify for the World Cup in Spain the following year.
The task that awaits Granit Xhaka and his teammates promises to be particularly difficult on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. in Düsseldorf. Failing to really convince with its collective, England can rely on striking individuals.
On Sunday in Gelsenkirchen against Slovakia, Jude Bellingham, with an almost brilliant inspiration, saved the Three Lions from shipwreck with his equaliser at the end of added time against Slovakia. “Within 30 seconds, we were back home”smiles the Real Madrid player. In extra time, it was Harry Kane who qualified his team thanks to his… 65th goal for the national team. At any moment, the two men can change the fate of a match
The other strength of the English is their iron defense. Under the leadership of Gareth Southgate, England has truly become a defensive machine. At Euro 2021, Jordan Pickford had conceded only 2 goals in 7 matches before registering 3 shutouts in 5 games at the 2022 World Cup. And in this Euro, the Everton goalkeeper has only been beaten twice in 4 games.
Despite a line of 4 in front of him who sometimes allow themselves a few lapses like the 2 Citizens Kyle Walker and John Stones, the English defense often gives the impression of being invulnerable. It is up to the Swiss to find the flaw against a team that undoubtedly plays football less well than them but which is so difficult to beat!
ats/bao
