Switzerland World Cup squad guide: Full fixtures, group, ones to watch, odds and more

PROFILE: With the tournament only days away we take an in-depth look at all 32 teams in Russia

Making their fifth consecutive appearance at the World Cup, Switzerland arrive in Russia off the back of a positive World Cup and European Championship. After qualifying from their group in Brazil 2014, Switzerland faced Argentina in the round of 16 and were beaten by a cruel late Angel Di Maria goal with two minutes of extra time remaining.

Switzerland are a determined and hard-working team but come short in front of goal in recent tournaments. Xherdan Shaqiri will be relied on as a source of goals and has been named a forward in Switzerland’s side but usually lines up anywhere along the front three.

Switzerland held their own in a recently friendly against a full-strength Spain to draw 1-1. Alvaro Odriozola gave the Spaniards an early lead, but Ricardo Rodriguez hit back as Switzerland frustrated their opponents despite having 35 per cent of the possession.

Fixtures

Brazil vs Switzerland – 19:00, Sunday 17 June
Serbia vs Switzerland – 19:00, Friday 22 June
Switzerland vs Costa Rica – 19:00, Wednesday 27 June.

Key players

Granit Xhaka: Arsenal’s hot-headed and ill-disciplined central midfielder becomes a completely different player when he pulls on a Swiss kit. He played every minute of their 2016 European Championship campaign and was voted man of the match in their fist group game. The 61 timed capped midfielder ended speculation that he will switch allegiance to Kosovo ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers by publishing an open letter where he explains his Euros participation disqualifies him from switching.

Xhaka will drive Switzerland on from the heart of midfield (Getty)

Xherdan Shaqiri: The forward was of the best players to be relegated from the Premier League after Stoke’s disastrous season. His future is uncertain with West Ham, Crystal Palace and Liverpool linked to signing him, but this summer we can expect him to give everything for Switzerland, and maybe leave us with another memorable strike. He has scored 20 goals in 69 games for Switzerland, including a spectacular last-minute acrobatic effort against Poland in the recent Euros.

Valon Bahrami: A familiar face to West Ham and Watford fans, Valon Bahrami will be an important player for Switzerland. Combining energy, physical prowess and stand-out dyed blonde hair, Bahrami has been a constant part of Switzerland’s setup but the box-to-box midfielder is beginning to struggle with injuries late in his career.

Ones to watch

​Breel Embolo: Schalke bought Breel Embolo from Basel in 2016 for €22.5m, making him the most expensive Swiss player of all time. The young powerful forward can play as a winger or striker, and his physical presence makes him a handful for defenders. Embolo joined Basel at the age of 13 and has struck up an unlikely relationship with Rodger Federer. “As an athlete you look up to him,” the 21-year-old said of his fellow countryman.

How did they get here?

Switzerland finished level on points with Portugal in their qualifying group, but their inferior goal difference meant their fate was to be decided by a play-off match with Northern Ireland. Ricardo Rodriguez scored from the spot in the first leg at Windsor Park after Switzerland were awarded a controversial penalty for handball. The return leg finished goalless and the Swiss were packing their bags for Russia.

How will they do?

Switzerland’s record at major tournaments has been fairly good in recent years. They are fairly evenly matched with Costa Rica and Serbia but they could be able to muscle their way through to the round of 16, where they will likely face Germany.

Odds on Switzerland winning the World Cup: 100/1

Squad

Goalkeepers: Roman Buerki, Yvon Mvogo, Yann Sommer.

Defenders: Manuel Akanji, Johan Djourou, Nico Elvedi, Michael Lang, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Jacques-Francois Moubandje, Ricardo Rodriguez, Fabian Schar.

Midfielders: Valon Behrami, Blerim Dzemaili, Gelson Fernandes, Remo Freuler, Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka, Denis Zakaria, Steven Zuber.

Forwards: Josip Drmic, Breel Embolo, Mario Gavranovic, Haris Seferovic.