They’re the hipsters’ favourites after Belgium got way too popular.
Top Man
Xherdan Shaqiri might not get too much of a look in at Bayern Munich but he’s arguably the most naturally talented player in the Swiss squad.
The midfielder is still only 22-years-old but has been part of the Switzerland squad since the last World Cup in South Africa. His manager at international level, Ottmar Hitzfeld, feels he is one of the more underrated players in world football.
“Xherdan is always calm when he is in possession of the ball. No matter who he is playing against. He is never anxious and he almost always unlocks his potential. In addition, he has a great mentality and can adapt quickly,” he said.
Liverpool have been heavily linked with a move for the player if they don’t manage to sign Adam Lallana, so this is the perfect chance to see a potential star of the Premier League.
Rising star
Josip Drmic is only 21 and one of best young strikers in the Bundesliga.
The FC Nurnberg player recently signed for Bayer Leverkusen so, with his future sorted out, he’s free to concentrate on being brilliant in Brazil.
Did you know?
Switzerland have made the quarter-finals of the World Cup three times, the last time coming when they hosted the tournament in 1954.
Why should Irish fans support them
Not to be horribly cynical and bring this down to financial vulgarity, but if we support them they might look kindly on us and throw a few shekels our way. Far fetched, but we can dream. They’re loaded.
Plus, great chocolate and cheese.
If they were a TV series
Cosmos. They’re the football equivalent of the best show you’ve never heard of.
Prediction
They’ll get out of the group. Switzerland are 8/13 to get out of the group
Odds with Ladbrokes: 100/1
Fancy winning free tickets to the Ladbrokes World Cup kick-off Brazilian Party in Everleigh Gardens on June 12? Click here for all you need to know.
