World Cup Team Preview - Switzerland - 12:40 PM, May. 1, 2006

The Swiss team drew group three in European qualifying and managed to slowly and steadily edge their way to second place in what could have been considered a tough group.

Not only did they have to contend with 1998 champions France, but also the Republic of Ireland, and the emerging Israeli side.

They got their campaign off to a good start routing minnows the Faroe Islands 6-0, before drawing every game with France, Ireland and Israel. They again beat the Faroe Islands in their return leg, and twice managed to defeat Cyprus on their way to second spot in the group.

The Swiss seem to have trouble scoring multiple goals against high quality opposition, and in their qualifying campaign, they were only able to score five goals out of their 18 against France, Ireland and Israel, with three of those coming against the Israeli's.

The Swiss team were drawn to play Turkey in final home and away qualifying for the tournament, and escaped through this series on the back of the away goal rule after, after a 2-0 win in Bern was followed by a 4-2 loss in Istanbul. Their away goals putting them through to the World Cup.

This victory though came at a cost. The match was played with not only drama, but also great ill will between the two teams, and reprehensible tackles and actions from players on both teams were commonplace.

While the Turks lost the right to play at home for a period of six internationals, the Swiss were dealt a greater blow, with midfielder Benjamin Huggel denied his chance to show his ample talent in Germany after being greeted with a six-match ban for kicking Turkey assistant coach Mehmet Ozdilek, on his way off the pitch.

The Swiss if they are to succeed in Germany need to score more goals against quality defences, but in the group phase they could shine against Korea and Togo, but also the Koreans can play, as was shown at the last World Cup, and African teams can do anything. As for France the two teams know each other well after having played them twice in qualifying.

Players to Watch

Johan Volanthen: The NAC Breda marksman scored 4 goals in qualifying and unseated the Swiss star of many years Chapuisat from his place up front in the team. Volanthen is only twenty but regarded as a star by PSV Eindhoven who have him on their books.

His blend of pace, skill on the ball and a powerful shot, make him dangerous up front next to Alexander Frei. He has a flair about his play that may have come from him being raised in Columbia till his teens, and he will shine at this World Cup and carry Swiss fortunes with him.

Phillippe Senderos: The Arsenal centre back has been in great from for club and country this year, displacing Sol Campbell in the centre of the Gunners back four, and gaining rave reviews as a true player of the future.

Senderos shows maturity beyond his years and has been calm and effective against some of the World’s best strikers including France’s David Trezeguet, twice in qualifying. Senderos led the Swiss Under 17’s team to a European championship in 2002 and with his solid ability in the air and on the ground he has the potential to stop many an attacking raid in Germany.

Alexander Frei: Stade Rennes  striker who has a killer instinct and deadly shot on goal. He is 28 now so this may be his last chance at a World Cup, and he will want to make the most of it. Frei scored six goals in qualifying and is all class, he is extremely important to the team, and when he fires so do Switzerland.