Speaking of Switzerland, mention of the mountainous country might conjure up images of alpine meadows and soaring snow-capped peaks, but the Swiss have also been scaling some heights in soccer since the mid-1990s.
They’re now regulars at major tournaments, having failed to qualify for the World Cup just twice since 1994 — though they haven’t made it past the Round of 16 since a quarter-final appearance in 1954.
They reached their highest FIFA ranking of No. 3 in the world in 1993 and are currently No. 19.
Typically an organized team that includes one or two players with game-changing flair, Switzerland is currently captained by veteran midfielder Granit Xhaka, who has made a record 148 appearances for his country.
Xhaka scored in Switzerland’s 4-1 win last week over Bosnia-Herzegovina, which also saw Johan Manzambi — considered one of the country’s rising stars — scoring twice as a substitute. Breel Embolo carries the main threat in attack, while the Swiss also have star power in defence in the shape of Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji.
Make no mistake, this will be Canada’s toughest game to date in this World Cup.
Canada and Switzerland have only faced off once before, with the Canadians winning a 3-1 friendly match in May 2022.
— With files from The Canadian Press
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