This is not the performance of the century. However, it is welcome after the disastrous round of 16 of the World Cup. In just three days, the Swiss team is on track for Euro24.
Victorious against Belarus (5-0) on Saturday in Novi Sad, the Swiss team did not miss their reunion with their fans. In Geneva, she clearly beat Israel (3-0) to take the lead in Group I of the preliminary round of the Euro on equal points with Romania, but with a much higher goal difference. Without insulting Kosovo, held in check by Andorra (1-1) at home, these two formations are best placed to keep their hand until the end of this campaign for a qualification without history and without fear.
After four games without the slightest victory between 2004 and 2009, this first victory against Israel in an official match underlines how much Switzerland has grown over the past fourteen years. Murat Yakin collects the fruits of the labor of his two predecessors so that such a match is no longer a trap match.
Even without Xherdan Shaqiri and without Breel Embolo, the team can make their individualities speak to force the decision. Thus, a Remo Freuler will have made the right gesture to bring the first two goals. Whoever scored the winning goal last December against Serbia was the man of the match.
A long victory in the making
Signing a perfect hat-trick three days earlier does not guarantee you a starting place: Renato Steffen, the hero of Novi Sad, experienced this misfortune to give way to Zeki Amdouni in an eleven again articulated in 4-3- 3. Faced with a tougher opponent than Belarus but just as timid with no real opportunity to his credit Amdouni and his teammates took their time before giving their full measure. But the assistant of Murat Yakin, this half-hour in halftone is explained.
Penalty denied by VAR
After a penalty caused in the 29th minute by Cédric Itten but finally refused by the VAR, Murat Yakin’s players gradually gained the upper hand over their opponents before taking the lead in a school action for the opener of the 39th. Launched deep by Denis Zakaria, Amdouni sent a cross that Remo Freuler extended with a header towards Ruben Vargas. Author of his fifth success in the national jersey, the Lucerne sent an unstoppable aerial half-volley at close range for goalkeeper Omri Glazer.
Two wingers for a breath of fresh air
Already very to his advantage in Novi Sad, Vargas was, three minutes after his goal, at the origin of a rupture which could have allowed Amdouni to double the bet. But the Genevan stumbled on Glazer. On these two actions, the two players were able to justify the confidence of the national coach. Even if everything was not perfect, especially with Amdouni, the life they bring to the wings breathes new life into the team.
Silvan Widmer rushes to congratulate Zeki Amdoun who has just scored the second Swiss goal (© KEYSTONE/Laurent Gilliéron).
They demonstrated it as soon as the recovery with the 2-0 which was as beautiful as the 1-0. Itten deflected for Vargas whose cross was again for Freuler. The Nottingham midfielder saw his shot blocked by Glazer, but as the story of this match had to be beautiful, Amdouni followed well to score his twelfth goal of the year, probably the easiest.
Five minutes later, Silvan Widmer’s goal allowed Murat Yakin’s “Reds” to drive home the point with an unstoppable header on an impeccable serve from Denis Zakaria. The match then took on the appearance of a gala evening to the delight of the 14,819 spectators present, including a certain Roger Federer.
Preparation or inspiration
Thus, these three goals, all very beautiful, arrived consecutively to as many actions smoothly carried out. Is it the result of work in training or inspiration?
The Vaudois technician evokes the impression left during this gathering by Amdouni, who is the real player who is rising in this Swiss selection.
Finally, during these first two matches, the choices of the national coach have paid off, whether it is the tenure of Renato Steffen, author of the first three goals in Novi Sad or that of Zaki Amdouni on Tuesday evening at La Praille.
Activists of the Palestinian cause
Note, on the extra-sporting level, the presence of a few dozen, perhaps hundreds of activists of the Palestinian cause who waved flags in a corner of the north stand. Apart from demonstrating loudly, whistling the visiting formation, these people did not cause an overflow.
Supporters unfurled Palestinian flags inside the Stade de la Praille, on the north stand side. Note the presence of another flag, blue and white, resembling that of Israel (KEYSTONE/Laurent Gilliéron)
This article has been published automatically. Source: ats