Sport

An XI of the best Swiss World Cup players ever

Switzerland have always been an overlooked nation in terms of international greatness but the Alpine nation have almost always been a continuous presence at World Cups. Having appeared in 11 tournaments, La Nati are anything but strangers to the big occasions. Despite never progressing beyond the last eight, the Swiss national side have reached the quarter finals on three separate occasions including when they hosted the tournament in 1954 as well as in 1934 and 1938. With many different generations representing Switzerland through the years, just who would make the greatest Swiss World Cup XI?

 

GK: Diego Benaglio

Diego Benaglio had to wait his turn to star for Switzerland but his patience certainly paid off. With excellent distribution and good athleticism, Benaglio was always a safe choice when standing between the posts. It was why he was the main pick for the Swiss national team in both the 2010 and 2014 World Cup tournaments. Appearing in all games at both finals, Benaglio notched up 7 appearances – more than any other Swiss keeper before him. During that time, he kept two clean sheets including a clean sheet over eventual champions Spain in a 1-0 victory in their first group game in South Africa in 2010.

 

RB: Stephan Lichtsteiner

There are almost no campaigners more experienced at the top level than Stephan Lichtsteiner. The former Juventus and Arsenal right-back was known for having a phenomenal presence across the entire flank making surging runs and slinging deadly crosses as well as expert defending skills. It’s why Lichtsteiner became a presence for Switzerland in three World Cups in 2010, 2014 and 2018. Having played almost every minute of each tournament, no one has appeared in more games than Lichtsteiner for the Swiss national side at a World Cup – with 10 appearances in all. A veteran presence that any side would enjoy having in their squad.

 

LB: Valon Behrami

With his bleached hair, no one could miss seeing Valon Behrami on the pitch. Capable of playing as a left back or a midfielder, Behrami was a player with no real weaknesses. Just as technically sound as he was physical, Behrami was someone who could have an impact no matter where he played. It’s why he is the only Swiss player to feature in 4 World Cups ranging from 2006-2018. Having appeared in 10 games for his country, behrami has been involved in the highs and lows for his country having appeared in World Cups held on no less than 4 separate continents.

 

CB: Roger Bocquet

There is perhaps no more unique story in football than that of Roger Bocquet. The defender was a key part of the Switzerland side in the 1950’s that faced and beat some of the greatest teams of all-time. He was a part of the 1950 squad that drew with Brazil 2-2 but was more noticeable when Switzerland hosted the tournament in 1954. He played every game for the hosts as they reached the last eight but did so whilst suffering from a brain tumour. He played four games with the condition bringing his total up to 7 across the two tournaments and proved to be one of the toughest to ever take part in the World Cup.

 

CB: Severino Minelli

In the 1930s, Switzerland were known for deploying revolutionary tactics and at the heart of it was Severino Minelli. He would prove to be one of the first to play as a true sweeper in defence helping kickstart attacks from the back-line. It was an effective tactic and one that saw Minelli prove to be a key cog in the Swiss side that reached the quarter final stage in both the 1934 and 1938 tournaments. A true legend that may have been overlooked over time.

 

CM: Granit Xhaka

Whether you love him or hate him, you will always know when Granit Xhaka is on the pitch. The versatile midfielder is known for his aggressive and physical style but he can also strike the ball as sweetly as anyone on the pitch. It’s why he has played in 7 World Cup fixtures for Switzerland and scored twice – showcasing his all-round ability on the pitch. It’s these abilities that has made Xhaka a must-watch player whether it is for all the right or wrong reasons.

 

CM: Xherdan Shaqiri

There are few technically sound players better than Xherdan Shaqiri. Capable of cutting teams open with a flick of the boot, Shaqiri could also lash the ball home from any angle or distance. It’s why he has starred in three World Cups for Switzerland leading his nation in two of them. His striking ability is also well known having scored 4 goals during that time. This included three goals in the 2014 tournament that helped his side reach the knockout stages in 2014 for the first time since 2006. A true leader for his nation with no midfielder scoring more in the World Cup than him.

 

CM: Tranquillo Barnetta

An underrated playmaker of the 2000s, Tranquillo Barnetta could unlock defences from almost any angle. The creative midfielder could be deployed on either flank and whip in crosses or set-pieces with wicked accuracy. It’s why he starred in both the 2006 and 2010 tournaments playing in every game. Despite Switzerland never progressing beyond the last 16, Barnetta’s influence helped his nation to impressive wins over the like of Spain and South Korea. An excellent figure who could always be relied upon for creating opportunities.

 

FW: Andre Abegglen

One of Switzerland’s first true strikers, Andre Abegglen always had a predatory instinct. A regular starting member of the Swiss side that reached both the 1934 and 1938 World Cup quarter finals, Abegglen scored in both tournaments. His biggest impact was felt at the 1938 tournament where he scored a hat-trick against Germany to secure a spot in the last eight for his nation. Despite playing I just 4 World Cup fixtures, Abegglen is still the joint second highest scoring Swiss player with 4 goals. An underrated master of his craft.

 

FW: Leopold Kielholz

Leopold Kielholz overcame huge odds to deliver devastating results for the Swiss national side. Struggling with vision issues, he played every game wearing glasses to help his vision. The end result was devastating as Kielholz scored 3 goals in 1934 as Switzerland reached the last eight. This included a brace against the Netherlands guaranteeing them to advance to the quarter finals. He also netted in their eventual 3-2 lost against Czechoslovakia showcasing his deadliness in front of goal.

 

FW: Josef Hugi

With Switzerland hosting the World Cup in 1954, the home crowd was desperate for a star to lead their home team. It was Josef Hugi who stepped up. Hugi scored 6 goals in the tournament as the hosts reached the quarter finals defeating the likes of Italy to reach that stage. Hugi not scored two goals in their 4-1 demolition of Italy but also scored a hat trick in the 7-5 loss to Austria in the last eight. With 6 goals in one tournament, Hugi is the all-time top goalscorer for Switzerland in the World Cup ever and the best performing individual at one tournament too. An underrated finish who could go with the best of his time.