At first glance, Denmark and Switzerland have not had much in common in recent times in terms of football. Take their style of play, for example: at the last European Championship, the Swiss showed a football that was at times sparkling, with a lot of inventiveness, fantasy and speed. The complete opposite of the Nordics, who have always made defensive solidity and physicality in attack their cornerstones. So where does the idea come from that two countries with such different fundamentals can actually have things in common?
Leaving aside the level of the two teams (Switzerland 15th in the FIFA ranking, Denmark 21st), what stands out above all is the fact that in both teams there are three key players who have left or are at the end of their international careers, and all in the same roles. This is the case of Yann Sommer, who has just retired from the Swiss team, and Kasper Schmeichel, who at the age of 37 is far from the glories of Leicester and also seems close to leaving. At the back, however, the team of new coach Morten Wieghorst had to say goodbye to the Viking par excellence, that Simon Kjaer, undisputed leader of the last decade. Accompanying him is Fabian Schär, who despite being three years younger than the former Rossoneri player has nevertheless decided to leave the team.
Finally, the number 10s. Despite never having carried it on his shoulders in the national team, Xherdan Shaqiri for his creativity and play was the true number 10 of the Nati, with goals and geometry that have established him as one of the best players in the history of our country. A similar speech, even if a few meters behind XS23, can be made for Christian Eriksen. Three years ago, right at Parken – the scene of tonight’s match – he risked a lot. Now he remains the most talented player in the Danish ranks, but the years are starting to make themselves felt and the appearances with his United are fewer and fewer. So both Switzerland and Denmark are faced with a period of necessary and “forced” rejuvenation. Tonight we will understand who is further along the path.
