Switzerland UEFA Nations League Fixtures, Squad, Group, Guide
During the World Cup their were issues regarding the team in terms of goal celebrations. This was brought about after both Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri celebrated goals with the Albania eagle sign performed by their hands. A clear political statement, the celebrations caused significant controversy. Although this should be put to bed now, the political distraction that the celebrations caused could gave been the reason why Switzerland lost to Sweden in the knockout stages of the World Cup.
That may or may not be true, but Switzerland will be hoping to focus purely on the football as they head into the UEFA Nations League. In their group they will face both Belgium and Iceland so they could have realistic hopes of progressing into the next round.
Shaqiri makes the Albanian eagle sign with his hands after scoring (Getty Images)
The Coach
Vladimir Petkovic, age 54 (15.08.63)
Replaced Ottmar Hitzfeld following the 2014 World Cup and led the Swiss to the last 16 at Euro 2016. Before that he coached several Swiss clubs, as well as Lazio in Serie A. Born in the former Yugoslavia, he began his playing career with Sarajevo and won the league in 1985. Spent the rest of his playing career in Switzerland.
Vladimir Petkovic, head coach of Switzerland (Getty Images)
Switzerland UEFA Nations League Group
Belgium are in League A, Group 2 alongside Switzerland and Iceland.
(UEFA)
Switzerland UEFA Nations League Fixtures
08/09/2018 Saturday 18:00 A2 Switzerland 6 vs Iceland 0
12/10/2018 Friday 20:45 A2 Belgium 2 vs Switzerland 1
15/10/2018 Monday 20:45 A2 Iceland 1 vs Switzerland 2
18/11/2018 Sunday 20:45 A2 Switzerland vs Belgium
Switzerland UEFA Nations League Squad
2018 World Cup squad – (we expect there to be several changes in Switzerland’s UEFA Nations League squad)
GOALKEEPERS: Roman Buerki, Yvon Mvogo, Yann Sommer
DEFENDERS: Manuel Akanji, Johan Djourou, Nico Elvedi, Michael Lang, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Jacques-Francois Moubandje, Ricardo Rodriguez, Fabian Schaer
MIDFIELDERS: Valon Behrami (retired), Blerim Dzemaili, Gelson Fernandes (retired), Remo Freuler, Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka, Steven Zuber, Denis Zakaria
FORWARDS: Josip Drmic, Breel Embolo, Mario Gavranovic, Haris Seferovic.
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