Focus on Wales’ opening Euro 2020 opponents Switzerland

Wales play Switzerland in their Euro 2020 opener on Saturday.

Here, the PA news agency puts the focus on the Switzerland team ahead of the Group A clash at the Olympic Stadium in Baku.

Form

Switzerland v Republic of Ireland – UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifying – Group D – Stade de Geneve
Switzerland have become used to scoring goals and winning in 2021 (Simon Cooper/PA)

Coach

Switzerland Training and Press Conference – King Power Stadium
Vladimir Petkovic has been Switzerland’s head coach since 2014 (Mike Egerton/PA)

Tactics

Petkovic prefers to keep his opponents guessing over formations and tactics. The fact Switzerland’s players are dotted all around Europe’s top leagues now ensures Petkovic’s squad are able to adapt to subtle tactical tweaks. Petkovic has tended to favour close modifications of 3-4-2-1 and 5-4-1 formations, meaning his system could be similar or identical to that of Wales. Switzerland will be stubborn in their defensive shape and keen to break forward quickly in transition, while getting Liverpool’s Xherdan Shaqiri on the ball to do maximum damage.

Key men

Switzerland Training Session and Press Conference
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka is the most capped player in the current Switzerland squad (Mike Egerton/PA)

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