The Swiss enter the World Cup in a rather interesting position. The team was among the top eight sides for the FIFA drawing and was thus seen as a "group leader." However, few would look at Switzerland as an elite soccer country and their history has never really supported this notion either. However, the Swiss were drawn into a relatively easy World Cup group and could prove doubters wrong with a stellar performance. Is Switzerland ready to take the next step?
History
Switzerland's World Cup history is marred by disappointment. The team managed to finish in the quarterfinals in 1934 and 1938 and even managed a top eight finish at home in 1954. However, since then the team has been nothing but woeful in the tournament. In 1962 and 1966 the team finished 16 out of 16 teams. From 1970 through 1990, the nation did not qualify and in 1994 Switzerland managed to finish 16th out of 24 and wound up in the round of 16. In 1998 and 2002 the team did not qualify but in the two following tournaments, the Swiss have made their presence felt, albeit in different ways. In 2006 the team finished 10 out of 32 with a round of 16 exit. In 2010 the team failed to get out of the group stage, but stunned Spain 1-0 in the opening group game.
How did they get here?
Switzerland was gifted an easy qualification group that included the likes of Norway, Iceland, Slovenia, Albania and Cyprus. The Swiss won seven matches and drew three while only conceding six goals in that stretch. The team scored by committee with 10 players getting on the score sheet throughout the qualification round.
Top Stars
The team is built around a stellar defensive system with no major standout players. Goalie Diego Benaglio is the undisputed starter in net while young Bayern Munich player Xherdan Shaqiri is expected to shine in this tournament. The 22-year-old has eight goals in just 31 appearances for the national side; two of those goals came during the qualifiers and four others came during the Euro 2012 qualifiers. He has proven that he can be a big game player for his country and should make an impact in this tournament.
Can they get out of the group stage?
Switzerland has a relatively easy group that includes Ecuador, France and Honduras. France looks like the biggest obstacle for Switzerland to overcome, but Ecuador is also more than capable of shocking a few major countries and get out of the group stage.
Can they win the whole thing?
Switzerland would need to get out of the group in order to have any hopes in the knockout rounds. However, a second place finish in the group means that Switzerland would be facing Argentina in the round of 16. Would anyone fancy the Swiss to take down Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Angel Di Maria?
Expect this team to get eliminated in the group stage.
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