Image: Keystone
Before the two Nations League games against Spain and Germany, Switzerland lost the friendly against Croatia 1: 2. The Swiss national players in the individual review.
Assessment key
6 Sackstark
5 Gut
4 Sufficient
3 weak
2 Very weak
1 underground
▶ Click here for the match report
▶ This is how Switzerland’s Nations League group opponents played
▶ National coach Petkovic: “Croatia’s victory was deserved”
The Swiss number 2 is powerless with both goals. In a dicey situation, however, wide awake in the first half. Doesn’t exude the security of a Yann summer.
The Basler does not look good on both goals. The first hit he is missing in the middle, the second he initiates with a bad pass. But he also has his hands full with the tall Bruno Petkovic.
The most experienced player on the Swiss defensive. However, one notices Schär’s lack of match practice. Some balls do not find a teammate. We are used to different things from the Newcastle defender.
Good debut for the young FCZ defender. He shows no nervousness. On the contrary: in the triple chain with Cömert and Schär, it looks safest. Strong in a duel and Omeragic gets on very well with Rodriguez.
A difficult debut for the trained right-back. Lotomba seems nervous and inhibited from the start. If Croatia becomes dangerous, it will be through their side – as with the two goals they conceded.
Does a lot of running work, but has little ball action. Fernandes helps out on the defensive but is definitely overshadowed by Sow and Xhaka.
Shows a strong first half. Conducts midfield with Djibril Sow. Book an assist with the opening goal with a cross on Gavranovic. When the Arsenal player is substituted at half time, the national team increasingly loses access to the center.
The Frankfurt legionnaire shows an attractive performance. Sow can be found practically everywhere on the pitch in the first half. Also iron out mistakes made by fellow players again and again. Has had a tough job in the second half without Xhaka by his side.
As you know it from him. Defensively safe, one or the other excursion forward. But you can tell that he hasn’t played much in the last few weeks due to an injury. Closes after 45 minutes.
A largely inconspicuous game of the 29-year-old. However, plays a strong pass to Gavranovic, who fails to Croatia goalie Livakovic. Otherwise Mehmedi is in a difficult position. Leaves after 45 minutes.
Shows a strong game against his parents’ homeland. Picks up lots of balls and moves cleverly between the lines. Granted a big chance early on, but a short time later he was in the right place on the Xhaka cross and scores 1-0 in the meantime.
The Atalanta player replaces Captain Xhaka at halftime. It is clear that the two are not the same types of players. Nevertheless, one expects more from Freuler, who shows strong performances in Serie A, in the national team.
The Winterthur player replaces Rodriguez on the left outer runner position in the second half. Has had some tough duels with Tin Jedvaj. But affords a few bad passes too much.
The wing is also substituted after 45 minutes. Vargas brings some momentum to the Swiss offensive, and can put himself in the limelight two or three times. The best substitute for Nati coach Petkovic.
The ex-st. Galler tries hard, but gets little usable balls. Has a good chance to equalize but shoots well over the gate.
Joins the game after just over an hour. See little land against world-class man Marcelo Brozovic. But he can prove his strong physique at one point or another.
Too short an effort for an evaluation.
Switzerland – Croatia 1: 2 (1: 1)
Kybunpark, St. Gallen. – 4,500 spectators. – SR Martins (POR). – Tore: 31. Gavranovic (Xhaka) 1: 0. 42. Brekalo (Bradaric) 1: 1. 66. Pasalic (Budimir) 1: 2.
Switzerland: Omlin; Cömert, Schär (76th Benito), Omeragic; Lotomba, Xhaka (46th Freuler), Sow (64th Sohm), Rodriguez (46th Zuber); Mehmedi (46th Vargas), Fernandes (62nd Itten); Gavranovic.
Croatia: Livakovic; Uremovic (62. Jedvaj), Vida, Caleta-Car, Melnjak; Badelj (46th Brozovic), Kovacic (57th Rog); Brekalo, Pasalic (75. Modric), Bradaric (75. Perisic); Petkovic (57. Budimir).
Remarks: Switzerland without Akanji, Shaqiri, Steffen (all tested positive for Corona), Aebischer, Ajeti, Embolo, Lang, Mbabu and Zakaria (all injured). Warnings: 23. Kovacic (Foul). 39. Lotomba (Foul). 91. Jedvaj (Foul).
