One of the European Championship heroes against France three years ago, Christian Fassnacht is following the national team this year as a big fan in front of the television. He shares his impressions in an interview with blue Sport.
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- Having been part of the national team himself three years ago, Christian Fassnacht is following this year's European Championships as a TV viewer and Swiss fan.
- Fassnacht praises the national team for their performances so far and has high hopes for Murat Yakin's team against the hosts on Sunday.
- The 30-year-old knows from his own experience: "We've always shown that we suddenly play our best football against big nations."
Three years ago, Switzerland pulled off the big surprise in the round of 16 of the European Championship, sending big France home. Christian Fassnacht, who came on as a substitute in the 79th minute and contributed to the crazy turnaround with an assist, played a key role in the successful coup.
Fassnacht, who has been playing for Norwich in England's second-highest division for the past season, is not in the squad of national team coach Murat Yakin for the tournament in Germany. Nevertheless, the 30-year-old is passionately following Switzerland's European Championship appearances.
"I'm one of the biggest supporters. I sit in front of the TV with passion," says Fassnacht in an interview with blue Sport. "I told my wife last time: since Roger Federer retired, I've missed having someone to root for. I need that thrill again. And I noticed that during the national team matches. Something happens to you."
Hoping for a cool head
Fassnacht is satisfied with the performances shown so far: "The defense is extremely solid. We have world-class players in this position." Offensively, the former YB goalscorer believes we need to be even more efficient: "I hope we become even more ruthless in front of goal."
Looking ahead to the final group game against the hosts, Fassnacht says: "You can present yourself very well as a team - against one of the best teams in the world. Even if the Germans have had a lot of trouble in recent years, they are top in their current form."
The national team can play freely. "We've always shown that we suddenly play our best football against big nations," says the 19-time international from his own experience. "It won't be easy, but I trust the Nati to get three points."
