Switzerland dominated Kosovo 34-24 in the Yellow Cup in Winterthur and thus redeemed itself from its defeat the day before against Italy.
Coach Andy Schmid had to replace two key players against Kosovo. In addition to playmaker Manuel Zehnder, who will miss the upcoming world championship due to torn cruciate ligaments, defense chief Samuel Röthlisberger was also absent. These two absences of weight were well compensated. The defense was solid in the 2nd match of this year’s Yellow Cup and, in attack, Manuel Zehnder’s replacement, Mehdi Ben Romdhane, convinced with his dynamism.
Switzerland only trailed at the very beginning of the match, then continued to lead the race. In the first half, it was mainly Ben Romdhane and the young winger Gino Steenaerts who convinced, as well as the goalkeeper Nikola Portner. During the 2nd half, Schmid made some changes in preparation for the World Cup which begins in 10 days and which will take place in Norway, Denmark and Croatia from January 14 to February 2.
Next match against the Netherlands
Switzerland, for whom Lenny Rubin and Steenaerts were the top scorers with 6 goals each, will face the Netherlands, who won their previous 2 matches, on Sunday at 5 p.m. to close the Yellow Cup. To win the tournament for the 4th consecutive time, Switzerland needs a victory with at least 4 goals difference.
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Swiss
