World Cup Preview - Group H - Switzerland

Nickname: “Schweizer Nati”

FIFA ranking: 24th

Coach: Ottmar Hitzfeld

Game Schedule:
June 16 – Switzerland vs. Spain (Durban, 10 a.m. EST, ESPN)
June 21 – Switzerland vs. Chile (Port Elizabeth, 10 a.m., ESPN)
June 25 – Switzerland vs. Honduras (Bloemfontein, 2:30 p.m., ESPN2)

Prospects: Switzerland became a trivia question answer in 2006, becoming the first side to be eliminated at a World Cup without conceding a single goal (they lost out in a penalty shoot-out in the Round of 16 to Ukraine). That says all you need to know about the Schweizer Nati, who surprised a lot of people by winning EUFA Group 2: solid at the back but unspectacular up front. Add to this that their skipper Alex Frei - the unluckiest footballer on the planet - has become the latest injury victim and I fear that the Swiss will get spanked by the Spanish in the first match and the heads will drop.

Key Player: Arsenal old boy Philippe Senderos will be the key to keeping opponents out.

Youngster to watch: 21 year old Leverkusen wide man Eren Derdiyok has just broken into the side.

Who Will Get the Goals: I'm really keen to have a look at Congolese native Blaise Nkufo, who at the ripe old age of 35 is set to join to join the Seattle Sounders at the Cup.

Who Will Get the Cards: Wolfsburg goalkeeper Diego Benaglio is prone to rush out of his goal when the mood strikes. That could be fun to watch.

Funniest Name: Pirmin Schwegler - say that three times quickly. I also like Mario Eggimann.

Prediction: Bottom of Group H.