The national team’s World Cup opener did not go as hoped. In Santa Clara near San Francisco, Switzerland led Qatar 1-0 for a long time, before Boualem Khoukhi scored an equalizer with a header in stoppage time. A bitter end to a game that Switzerland actually had under control. Today follows the second group match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The match against Qatar
The national team started well and took an early lead through a Breel Embolo penalty. After that, they controlled the game but failed to add a second goal. Qatar defended deep and waited for their chance. It came in stoppage time following a high cross. A lesson in how dangerous it is to try to sit on a narrow lead.
The situation in Group B
Since the opening match of the group between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina also ended 1-1, all four teams have one point after the first matchday. The situation is therefore wide open. With a win against Bosnia, Switzerland could secure an excellent position for the final game against Canada in Vancouver.
The opponent: Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Bosnians started the tournament with great euphoria after knocking out Italy in the playoffs. They have technically gifted players and are dangerous from set pieces. Against Canada, they showed that they can hold their own against a host nation. For the national team, it will be crucial to take their chances more decisively than they did against Qatar.
The lesson from the Qatar game
What we can learn from the first game applies to every footballer: chances must be taken. Switzerland had enough opportunities to decide the game early on. But in the decisive moment, the final precision was lacking. In football, such failures are often punished.
For amateurs, this means: efficiency in front of goal can be trained. Those who regularly shoot under match-like conditions in training will stay calm even in important moments. Exercises where the ball is taken directly are particularly valuable, as there is rarely time for a touch in the penalty area.
Defending headers
The goal conceded is also instructive. High crosses in the closing stages are among the most dangerous situations in football. Defenders must keep an eye on the ball and the opponent at the same time, position themselves in good time, and go for the ball with determination. Especially when legs are tired, concentration and body language are decisive.
World Cup fever at home
Even if the start didn't go as wished: the World Cup has arrived in Switzerland. And in gardens these days, people are once again busy playing, because a World Cup motivates children and adults alike to kick a ball themselves.
Try it yourself
Anyone who feels like working on their own finishing after the game can start with simple exercises. With the VOLLEYCHAMP®, the ball is ready for a volley, and you can practice hitting it precisely and low toward the goal. Exactly the precision that the national team lacked in the end against Qatar.
Today is the day
The World Cup is still young, and a draw in the opener is not the end of the world. With a win against Bosnia, all would be right with the world again. We believe in the national team.
Three points that count now
In the new format with 48 teams, the best third-placed teams also advance. So a false start is not a drama. But anyone who wants to win the group, and thus face a supposedly easier opponent in the round of 32, needs three points today. The team knows this, and they showed in the qualifiers that they can react to setbacks.
Hopp Schwiiz!
