Swiss goalscorer Embolo
Switzerland traveled on to Rome with disappointed hopes for the second European Football Championship group game against Italy. The 1-1 draw on Saturday in Baku against Wales revealed a not unknown deficit among the Confederates: The problem area is on the offensive. The Swiss had more possession of the ball and more shots on goal than their opponents against Gareth Bale and Co. In the end, however, it was only enough for a draw.
That's why the draw felt like a defeat. “It's like we've lost two points,” said goalkeeper Yann Sommer. Goalscorer Breel Embolo was also served. “I'm a little frustrated with the result as we had a chance for a second goal but didn't take it.”
Coach Vladimir Petkovic did not hide his disappointment either. “We are not satisfied.” His team had been too passive after Embolo's opening goal. The poor organization in the defense at the corner, which led to the equalization by Kieffer Moore, and the weakness in the end were responsible for the unsuccessful start. “We were not specific enough, not efficient enough,” said Petkovic. “There was no absolute will to score the goal.”
The lack of efficiency is not new. “We had these problems before,” said Petkovic. The game against Wales was the ninth in a tournament under his leadership. They scored a total of nine goals. The performance of Xherdan Shaqiri against Wales was also a little underwhelming. Although he hit the corner that led to the 1-0, otherwise his performance was poor. After 66 minutes without a shot on goal, the offensive star was replaced. Substitute Mario Gavranovic posed the greatest danger in the closing stages.
Now on Wednesday, with tournament favorites Italy, which started promisingly thanks to a 3-0 win against Turkey, a tough chunk awaits. “We have to keep believing” is Petkovic's motto. “Try again and again, keep our style of play, and try to be even more specific.”
The Welsh were very satisfied with the draw against the Swiss. “I think we showed a lot of character and worked hard,” said the little conspicuous Bale. “A draw is not a bad result.” On Wednesday in Baku against Turkey they are hoping for more points. “It's going to be a very important game for us. The preparation has already started,” said Wales coach Robert Page. “We will be ready for the challenge.”
