Switzerland have reached the last 16 of the European Championship unbeaten. There were many winners in the three group stage matches, but also some losers.
24.06.2024, 09:33
24.06.2024, 10:15
SDA
Dan Ndoye, the high-flyer
He played a rather minor role in qualifying, but this year he became an important factor in the Swiss game. Whether on the left or right, Dan Ndoye's speed and dribbling made fans' hearts beat faster. However, these often slipped back into his pants immediately afterwards. The 23-year-old from Vaud was unable to find the final pass or the golden finish. "I still need to improve," admitted Ndoye, who has a lot of self-reflection and maturity despite his young age. No sooner said than done: Ndoye scored his first goal as an international against Germany, the strongest opponent in the group.
Ruben Vargas, the unlucky one
It was to be his tournament. At the start of the European Championship, Ruben Vargas confidently announced that he was ready for a new challenge after five seasons with Bundesliga club Augsburg. Perhaps he put himself under pressure in his efforts to present himself in the best possible light on the big stage. In the first game he carelessly missed a great chance, in the second he was unable to make his mark and also suffered a foot injury, which forced him to the bench for the time being in the third game. When he was substituted against Germany, the tide seemed to turn, but his supposed 2:0 was disallowed due to a close offside. So far, the 25-year-old has lacked the necessary luck.
Manuel Akanji, the patron saint of the defense
He was "absolutely outstanding", said German coach Julian Nagelsmann about Manuel Akanji. But the 28-year-old not only shone against Germany, he also showed in the other games that he has matured into what Murat Yakin wants him to be. "I wanted more players to take on responsibility alongside Granit (Xhaka). That we have an axis that carries the team," explained the Swiss coach. "Manu" has taken another big step forward in this respect.
Nico Elvedi, the cold one
He is one of those who have not yet been able to prove their qualities. After starting alongside Manuel Akanji at the last two major tournaments, Nico Elvedi had to give way to Fabian Schär this year. The final decision was probably made in the test match against Austria shortly before the European Championship, when Elvedi cut an unfortunate figure, and not just when he conceded a goal. The 27-year-old central defender, who has had a difficult season at Borussia Mönchengladbach, has yet to play a single minute at this tournament. The same applies to Renato Steffen (nine appearances in qualifying) and Noah Okafor (seven appearances), who have been sidelined so far.
Granit Xhaka, the matured player
He has been captain and thus leader of the national team for four years now, and Granit Xhaka has impressively cemented this role so far at this European Championship. His presence alone gives the Swiss game security. His team-mates are also slowly running out of superlatives. "He's always been a world-class player," says Silvan Widmer about Xhaka. "Now his influence on the game has become even greater." Full of confidence after the double season with Leverkusen and matured by his coaching training, the 31-year-old is probably the most important success factor in the Swiss game.
Michel Aebischer, the "new boy"
He was one of the two big surprises when Murat Yakin announced his first European Championship starting eleven. The central midfielder, who had only made two brief appearances in the qualifiers and only played in the final clash against Romania, was named on the left side of midfield. "An in-form player like Michel Aebischer has to be somewhere on the pitch," said Yakin, explaining the special option. The 27-year-old from Freiburg repaid the coach's trust against Hungary with a goal and an assist. The player from Bologna also featured against Scotland and Germany. A few slip-ups in defense were a reminder that this is not his usual position. Otherwise, he was his usual combative self and showed the necessary overview.
Breel Embolo, the returnee
Just a few weeks before the European Championship, his participation was more than questionable. But Breel Embolo fought his way back from a recurring injury, played every game and even scored a goal. Against Germany, the 27-year-old striker was in the starting eleven for the first time and withstood the pressure. "The fact that Breel was able to do that is mainly down to him," said assistant coach Giorgio Contini. "He remained positive despite setbacks, immediately started building up in Monaco and then came to Switzerland early on, where he kept pushing himself to the limit." After hard work, Embolo can now finally show himself on the big stage again.
Zeki Amdouni, the overlooked player
After Breel Embolo's injury a year ago, a huge gap had to be filled. Zeki Amdouni managed this best for the time being. After scoring five times in the first four qualifying matches, there was even a little hype surrounding the striker from Geneva. He was expected to be in the starting eleven against Hungary. But Yakin opted for Kwadwo Duah, who had only made his debut for the national team shortly before the tournament. While the Bernese player continued to write his own personal fairytale with his goal, Amdouni had to make do with partial appearances. Perhaps the 23-year-old's time will come. For now, however, he remains a wild card.
