At the press conference ahead of the game against England, London-born Kwadwo Duah talks about his role in the team, the goal against Hungary and reveals that he would love to play in Italy.
Kwadwo Duah plays for Ludogorets in Bulgaria, but for how much longer? Although his contract runs until the summer of 2026, the 27-year-old has higher ambitions. When asked whether his goal changed everything for Switzerland, he says: "For me, yes. It was a big moment for me and my family." And, of course, the goal was also important for Switzerland.
Above all, it also changed his level of recognition and the interest in him as a person. Does he now dream of a bigger league? "I've always dreamed of playing in a top five league, preferably in Italy," says Duah.
At the press conference, Duah also talks about his first contact with Murat Yakin, the leading players Manuel Akanji and Granit Xhaka and his relationship with Breel Embolo, who plays in the same position as him. And he compares the dream goals of Shaqiri and Bellingham.
The whole PK in the video
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The PK with Duah is over
All questions answered, Duah leaves the podium. Next item on the agenda: training.
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Duah on Akanji
"He never loses a ball, not even in training. He's calm on the ball and has everything under control. That's also impressive."
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Possible suspension for Bellingham?
"I don't think we've spoken about him personally. I don't know what Uefa will decide. We are looking at ourselves."
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Duah on the role of Contini
Duah praised assistant coach Contini: "He has a very, very big influence. You certainly listen to him, because everything he says has substance."
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Duah would love to play in Italy
Does he dream of bigger leagues? "Yes, a lot has certainly changed after that goal. But I've always dreamed of playing in a top five league, preferably in Italy."
Why Italy? "I like the culture and go there every year on vacation. It's a beautiful country."
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First contact with Yakin
"He called me a week and a half before May 27 to say they wanted to invite me. That was a huge moment for me." It had always been his goal to play for the national team. "It was a wonderful moment for me and my family."
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Shaqiri's goal compared to that of Bellingham
"I would say that Shaqiri's goal was more beautiful." Shaq has scored many goals like that.
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What does Duah think of superstar Bellingham?
"World class. Everyone sees it that way. He takes control of the game and tries to put his stamp on it. So far he's doing it very, very well."
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Duah on players who are hardly used or not used at all
"Everyone knows their role. Everyone has to motivate themselves. For me, I find it a bit strange when you have to motivate yourself to play for your country."
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How is the exchange with Embolo?
"I think we have a special bond because we've known each other for over ten years. We always played against each other when we were young. We're good together. Either he plays or I play."
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Duah on Xhaka
"Certainly a big name in our team. He's very positive and always wants to win, even in training. I can learn the winning mentality from him."
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Duah on his role
In the first game, he was allowed to play from the start, then only as a substitute. "It's a new situation for me to often be on the bench. But it fills me with pride to be able to play for this nation." He simply wants to give his all when he is on the pitch.
Yakin talks a lot with the players, but everyone knows their role. "We're playing for our nation, so you have to be subordinate and give everything to win."
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Did your goal change everything for Switzerland?
"For me, yes. It was a big moment for me and my family. Scoring your first goal at a European Championship isn't something everyone does." The goal was also important for the team.
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How do the English look at Switzerland?
"I think they saw the game against Italy. We were pretty good there." He does not believe that the English will take Switzerland lightly.
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Duah on the English
"They're a good team, they play good football. I follow the Premier League and so I know the players." When asked about England's rather weak performances, Duah says: "They won, so they did a good job."
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Do you follow English football?
"Of course I follow English football. I'm a big Chelsea fan, my role model is Didier Drogba."
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Duah on the country of his birth
You are the first English-born player to score at the European Championships. How are you rooted there? "I was born there, but I no longer have any relatives there. I came to Switzerland when I was two years old." London is a beautiful city. His parents came to England from Ghana "for a better life".
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What kind of game is Duah expecting?
"It's a very special week for me," says Duah. "We're up against a team with very strong players."
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General information
Granit Xhaka and Ruben Vargas will train individually on Wednesday. However, the match against England should not be in jeopardy.
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The media conference starts at 9.30 am
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How is Kwadwo Duah looking ahead to the clash against England?
A month ago, hardly anyone would have expected Kwadwo Duah to be allowed to play with the Swiss national team at the European Championship. And certainly not that he would be in the starting eleven for the opening game against Hungary and put Switzerland in the lead. The 27-year-old himself could hardly believe it and spoke of a dream. Since then, he has made two more wild card appearances against Germany and Italy. Now the London-born Duah is eagerly awaiting the clash against England.
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Timm Klose still has high hopes for Switzerland
blue Sport expert Timm Klose believes the Swiss national team has a good chance of springing a surprise against England.
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The European Championship quarter-finals at a glance
