UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Hitzfeld goes with tried and tested

Friday, October 1, 2010

Switzerland boss Ottmar Hitzfeld said his side's Group G campaign "starts in earnest" after selecting a squad with no surprises for matches against Montenegro and Wales.

Gökhan Inler (left) tracks Jermain Defoe during Switzerland's loss to England
Gökhan Inler (left) tracks Jermain Defoe during Switzerland's loss to England ©Getty Images

Coach Ottmar Hitzfeld named a Switzerland squad showing no surprise omissions or notable inclusions for the UEFA EURO 2012 qualifiers against Montenegro and Wales.

With in-form Montenegro next up in Podgorica on 8 October, Hitzfeld has gone with the tried and tested as the Nati chase their first Group G points after beginning with a 3-1 home loss to England. "It wasn't so difficult to name these players," said the former FC Bayern München trainer, whose team host Wales in Basel on 12 October.

Following the defeat by England, Hitzfeld said Switzerland's campaign "starts in earnest now with teams that are at our level", adding: "Montenegro will ask everything of us. We have to accept the challenge."

Switzerland squad
Goalkeepers: Diego Benaglio (VfL Wolfsburg), Marco Wölfli (BSC Young Boys), Germano Vailati (FC St. Gallen).

Defenders: François Affolter (BSC Young Boys), Stéphane Grichting (AJ Auxerre), Stephan Lichtsteiner (S.S. Lazio), Scott Sutter (BSC Young Boys), Steve von Bergen (Hertha BSC Berlin), Reto Ziegler (UC Sampdoria).

Midfielders: Tranquillo Barnetta (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Moreno Costanzo (BSC Young Boys), David Degen (BSC Young Boys), Gelson Fernandes (AS Saint-Etienne), Gökhan Inler (Udinese Calcio), Pirmin Schwegler (Eintracht Frankfurt), Xherdan Shaqiri (FC Basel 1893), Valentin Stocker (FC Basel 1893).

Forwards: Eren Derdiyok (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Alexander Frei (FC Basel 1893), Marco Streller (FC Basel 1893), Hakan Yakin (FC Luzern).

© 1998-2024 UEFA. All rights reserved. Last updated: Friday, October 1, 2010

Selected for you

Switzerland and Nürnberg lose Bunjaku
Live 15/09/2010

Switzerland and Nürnberg lose Bunjaku

Switzerland and 1. FC Nürnberg striker Albert Bunjaku has been ruled out for six months after surgery to treat suspected torn meniscus in his right knee uncovered cartilage damage.
Wales hope for better luck in Switzerland
Live 14/09/2010

Wales hope for better luck in Switzerland

Wales will look to score a first goal on Swiss soil and maybe even pick up a first point as they head for continental Europe in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group G.
In-form Montenegro entertain Switzerland
Live 12/09/2010

In-form Montenegro entertain Switzerland

Montenegro have made a dream start to qualifying Group G with two wins out of two while their upcoming opponents, Switzerland, opened their campaign by losing at home to England.
England see off Switzerland in Basel
Live 07/09/2010

England see off Switzerland in Basel

Switzerland 1-3 EnglandGoals from Wayne Rooney and substitutes Adam Johnson and Darren Bent continued England's winning start against ten-man Switzerland.