Northern Ireland v Switzerland 08SEPT

SCOUTING REPORT

For much of Petkovic’s time in charge of Switzerland the team operated with a 4-2-3-1 formation.

With Yakin having deployed with a similar system during periods at the helm with the likes of Basel , Spartak Moscow, Schaffhausen, Grasshoppers and Sion, it is likely the Swiss will set up with a back four and a loan striker for the time being at least . It should be noted, however, that Switzerland played with a 3-4-1-2/3-4-2-1 formation for the majority of UEFA Euro 2020. Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji and Ricardo Rodríguez formed an effective back three for much of the competition, while Xherdan Shaqiri and Breel Embolo operated just behind out and out frontman Haris Seferovic. The Swiss played with a back four in a 4-4-2 formation for parts of their knockout matches against France and Spain. STRENGTHS UEFA Euro 2020 provided a perfect example of Switzerland’s ability to adapt their tactical approach depending on their opponents. Requiring a win in their final Group A match against Turkey to progress to the knockout phase, the Rossocrociati produced a fantastic attacking display in which they fashioned 23 shots (including 10 efforts on target) and won 3-1. In contrast they held their defensive shape magnificently against a Spain side many would have considered to be technically superior, forcing the former world champions to a penalty shootout despite having just 28% possession. Sometimes maligned for his displays at club level , Granit Xhaka has been a key performer for the Swiss national team over the last decade. However, he is not available for tonight’s game and will be a big loss. And Shaqiri and Embolo are also missing. Striker Haris Seferovic has been in good goalscoring form in 2021, with five goals in nine international appearances this year, including three goals at UEFA Euro 2020. Steven Zuber brings real creativity to the side. He made more assists at UEFA Euro 2020 (four) than any other player.

Andy Greeves takes a closer look at Switzerland ahead of this evening’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifier. LOWDOWN Soon after Switzerland’s memorable UEFA Euro 2020 campaign, which saw the Rossocrociati (Red Crosses) reach the quarter-finals of the competition, Vladimir Petkovic stepped down from his role as Swiss head coach to take charge at Bordeaux. His replacement is former Swiss international centre back Murat Yakin, who won 49 caps and scored four goals for his country between 1994 and 2004. Yakin’s first match in charge was a friendly against Greece last week, while his first competitive game was Sunday’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Italy in Basel . Switzerland’s latest World Cup qualifying campaign got off to an excellent start as they beat Bulgaria 3-1 in Sofia back in March thanks to goals from Breel Embolo, Haris Seferovic and Steven Zuber while they followed that up with a 1-0 home triumph over Lithuania three days later, which saw Xherdan Shaqiri score their winner. Last Wednesday they defeated Greece 2-1 in the friendly thanks to goals from Steven Zuber and Ruben Vargas, while on Sunday they were at home to Group C favourites Italy. That game ended 0-0. TACTICS With Petkovic having guided Switzerland to the knockout phase of three consecutive major tournaments (UEFA Euro 2016, FIFA World Cup 2018 and UEFA Euro 2020) , during a seven- year tenure as Switzerland head coach, his shoes will be big ones to fill for Yakin.

IRISHFA.COM

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