The Swiss national team will be fighting for their next European Championship points against Scotland on Wednesday evening. For Stéphane Henchoz, the case is clear: "Switzerland must win."
No time? blue News summarizes for you
- The Swiss national team will play their second group match at the European Championships against Scotland.
- Stéphane Henchoz emphasizes the fighting spirit of the Scots in the "home game at the Nati". However, he sees few problems for the Nati if they are ready in their heads and accept the duels.
- Nevertheless, Henchoz expects Scotland to be a "slightly" stronger opponent than Hungary.
The Swiss national team will face Scotland, who lost their opening game against Germany 5-1, on Wednesday evening. "I was disappointed. I expected more from the Scots," says Stéphane Henchoz at the "home game with the Nati".
The starting position ahead of the second group game is clear. The national team is the favorite, but must be prepared for a different Scotland. "Everything went against Scotland in the opener. They are better," says Head of Sport Michael Wegmann.
Scotland can count on the support of their fans. There was talk of over 200,000 Scots fans at the opening game. The number of fans at the game against the national team is also likely to be gigantic. "They will fight tooth and nail against the Swiss."
Fighting spirit and superstar Robertson
Fans are one thing, the team is another. What characterizes Scottish football? "They have a fighting spirit," says Henchoz, who was once under contract with top club Celtic Glasgow.
However, the fighting spirit and the mention of superstar Andy Robertson by name are the end of the positive qualities in the former national team defender's list. "Technically, they are mediocre." Scotland can do nothing but play high and long balls. You shouldn't forget that some of the players play in England's second division.
"If Switzerland are ready in their heads to take on the duels, then I don't see many problems." He insists: "The national team has to win." If Henchoz has his way, the game against Scotland will end in a resounding victory for the Nati. "The Scottish central defense is pretty weak." Like Wegmann, he predicts a 4:0 win for Xhaka and Co.
Despite the prediction of a thumping win: "The Scots are better than Hungary"
A 4:0 victory sounds like peace, joy and pancakes. However, one statement from Henchoz set the Nati alarm bells ringing: "Scotland are a bit better than Hungary."
In the opening game against the Hungarians, the Nati got into serious trouble at times after the change of ends. Nevertheless, they were able to secure a deserved 3:1 victory in the end.
Henchoz believes that Murat Yakin will make changes to the starting line-up compared to the Hungary game. He is questioning Remo Freuler, Michel Aebischer and Kwadwo Duah. "I don't think Duah will play from the start. The defensive-minded Scots would be an opponent for Amdouni."
