Road To Euro 2016
Switzerland booked their spot at Russia 2018 thanks to a 1-0 aggregate play-off win over Northern Ireland, having finished second in Europe's Group B to clinch their fourth-successive appearance at the global finals.
The group consisted of six teams; Portugal, Switzerland, Hungary, Faroe Islands, Latvia, and Andorra with the Swiss winning nine of their ten games and only losing once. They only missed out on topping the group behind Portugal on goal difference and they could well spring a surprise in Russia with a threat going forward and tight defence.
Haris Seferovic was the leading goalscorer for Switzerland with four goals. A 2-0 victory over Portugal on the first round of qualifying matches was a particular highlight, including a 89th minute winner against Hungary to clinch a 3-2 victory. Their only defeat was against Portugal in their final match which ultimately decided who would top the group. The Swiss fell to a 2-0 defeat but later booked their spot in Russia after play-off victory.
It is also worth noting that Switzerland kept six clean sheets from their ten matches to show they possess a strong back line and they will be hoping to maintain theit defensive record in Russia this summer. They could well be a team to keep an eye on at the 2018 World Cup!
Key Players
Key Player
Granit Xhaka Switzerland’s player of the year for 2017, Xhaka is a key man in Vladimir Petkovic’s side. The Arsenal midfielder impressed at Brazil 2014 and will be out to make his mark on another World Cup. The experience of Stephan Lichtsteiner should also prove crucial and the 34-year old will be a threat down the right. Nicknamed 'The Swiss Express' for his energy and athleticism down the right flank, Lichtsteiner can expect to play a big role at 2018 World Cup.
The Goals
Xherdan Shaqiri plays a major role for Switzerland by being their main goal threat. Dubbed 'The Alpine Messi' Shaquiri has a searing shot and fantastic control. Despite his small stature he is difficult to shrug off the ball and is a real threat when running at defenders. No other Swiss player can boast as many goals as Shaqiri at the World Cup and it's likely if to be no different at the World Cup with Switzerland's lack of top strikers. Shaqiri can be relied upon for goals and with a solid back line display Switzerland can make the quarters and beyond if the Stoke playmaker can get going.
One to watch out for
Haris Seferovic was Switzerland's top scorer in World Cup qualification and will be eager to add to his tally at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The 25-year old can be a real handful and has plenty of big tournament experience having played for Switzerland at both the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016.
Young starlet
Twenty year-old Breel Embolo is a forward who is a very promising talent in the Swiss squad. Embolo plays for Schalke in Germany. He is a physical striker with blistering pace. The striker has represented Switzerland from under 16 level to under 21s before being introduced to the senior squad in 2015 aged 17. He could well be one of Switzerland's surprise stars this summer at 2018 World Cup.
Switzerland 2018 World Cup Fixtures
Switzerland World Cup football tickets can be bought today online at Football Ticket Pad with plenty of tickets still on sale for a host of their matches in Russia this summer. Match tickets vary from Category 1 to Category 4 seats, plus a limited number of Private Box seats and Hospitality options to choose from.
Watch the 2018 World Cup live with Switzerland tickets for their group stage matches across Russia when they tackle a difficult Group E containing five time winners Brazil. Serbia and Costa Rica are also in their group and tickets can be bought now for a great price with tickets sure to be available online if Switzerland can progress into the later stages of the 2018 World Cup.
Book your seat now with Brazil v Switzerland tickets for their opening match in Rostov. Switzerland fans could not have wished for a tougher start to their World Cup campaign and they will be looking to get a result. The Swiss then take on Serbia in Kaliningrad and customers can book their Serbia v Switzerland tickets now. Football Ticket Pad also has a limited number of tickets available for their final match in the group which could be a real decider for who goes through. Buy Switzerland v Costa Rica tickets at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium now!
