By Fatih Erel
ISTANBUL (AA) - Switzerland, which has previously appeared in the European Championship finals five times in its history, is drawing attention with its recent performances.
The red and white team failed to advance from the group stage in the 1996, 2004, and 2008 European Championships.
After missing out in 2012, Switzerland achieved success by reaching the Round of 16 in 2016 and the quarterfinals in 2020.
By defeating Italy 2-0 in the Round of 16 of the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship, Switzerland has secured its place in the quarter-finals for the second consecutive time.
Several factors contribute to this success of a country with only 8.7 million inhabitants, including football infrastructure, contributions from foreign-born players, the performance of Turkish-origin head coach Murat Yakin, and the fact that many Swiss players compete for major clubs across Europe.
- Importance of young players development
Switzerland ranks among the countries placing the highest importance on football youth development.
Hosting FIFA and UEFA headquarters, Switzerland's programs aimed at identifying and developing talented young footballers have borne fruit in recent years.
UEFA’s support through various programs has also contributed to the development of young talents in Switzerland, facilitated by top-level facilities and sports schools.
- Success from grassroots to national team evaluation
The current Swiss national team is considered the most successful in the country's history, starting from grassroots successes.
The generation that won the 2009 FIFA Under-17 World Cup has managed to qualify for the elimination rounds in the last five major finals.
- Impact of non-Swiss players
Apart from Swiss youth, the integration of foreign nationals seeking asylum into the country through football ensures that children also integrate into Swiss society through sports.
With over 180 countries represented in 1,400 clubs under the Swiss Football Federation, football plays a significant role in social integration in Switzerland.
This has led many foreign-born players to contribute to Swiss football success.
- Switzerland reaches quarterfinals for 2nd time in row
Under the coaching of Murat Yakin, the Swiss national team has achieved consecutive quarterfinal appearances at the European Championship.
Participating for the 6th time in the tournament, Switzerland secured a quarterfinal berth for only the second time after EURO 2020.
- Turkish-origin head coach Murat Yakin’s performance also stands out
As the head coach, Murat Yakin is considered a tactical expert, successfully organizing his team defensively against top-level opponents to achieve positive results.
Yakin is also known as the only coach to have defeated a team coached by Jose Mourinho twice in the UEFA Champions League group stage.
Among Yakin's greatest achievements as a coach are two Swiss Super League championships with Basel, as well as reaching the semifinals and quarterfinals of the UEFA Europa League.
The coach has also guided Switzerland to reaching the quarterfinals in the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship.
Meanwhile, Yakin's contract with the national team will expire after the tournament in Germany.
- Key players
The Swiss national team features several players who have played for major clubs in Europe.
As goalkeepers, Switzerland boasts top-level players like Yann Sommer and Gregor Kobel.
In defense, Manuel Akanji and Fabian Schar stand out, while the midfield is anchored by Denis Zakaria, Granit Xhaka, and Xherdan Shaqiri.
The striker lineup includes stars such as Breel Embolo, Noah Okafor, and Zeki Amdouni.
Highlighting their diversity and contributions to Swiss football success, many of these players have foreign origins.
- UEFA rankings at 12th place
In the current UEFA country rankings, where Türkiye ranks 9th, Switzerland holds the 12th position.
At EURO 2024, Switzerland ranks 14th in terms of squad value among the 24 participating teams.
*Writing by Esra Tekin in Istanbul