Switzerland

Switzerland Profile

Switzerland

TEAM FACTS:

 

Name: Switzerland

Coach: Ottmar Hitzfeld

Captain: Alexander Frei

Star players: Eren Derdiyok, Alexander Frei and Blaise N'Kufo

Team nickname: Schweizer Nati

FIFA ranking: 18


Switzerland will make their ninth appearance at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. After reaching the quarter finals three times, the men are aiming higher than just a supporting role and going for gold.


Fans were disappointed with Switzerland’s performance at the UEFA EURO 2008 when they were eliminated after automatic qualification because they co-hosted the competition. Former Bayern Munich coach was called upon to help make the difference. The team has since qualified for their second successive FIFA World Cup.


At the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, Switzerland was sent home in the Round of 16 despite conceding a goal. This defeat made history as they were the first team to be eliminated without conceding a goal in any of their matches. The last game against the Ukraine was forced into overtime and after failing to score one penalty, they were unluckily beaten by the Ukraine and sent home.


The new coach, Ottmar Hitzfeld is one of the most successful coaches in Europe. He is highly regarded because he is one of only two men that have lead two different clubs to UEFA Champions League glory. After a bumpy start, he has settled in easily and is determined to go all the way.


"If my father had known I'd be this successful as Switzerland coach - not as Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund coach - he'd have been overjoyed. It's the place we call home, you see." said Ottmar Hitzfeld (according to Fifa.com).


Hitzfeld has a healthy blend of experience and youth. He cleverly combines the younger players with senior players to gain experience and create momentum. The talented young players include Eren Derdiyok, Tranquillo Barnetta and Diego Benaglio while the seasoned players Alexander Frei and Blaise N'Kufo take the lead.


Alexander Frei is the chief both on and off the field. He was the natural choice as captain for Hitzfeld and this proved the right decision as he finished the qualifying round with five goals under his belt. Together with striker Blaise N’Kufo, the two make an effective attacking team.


While in Nelson Mandela Bay for the match between Switzerland and Chile on 21 June, take the time to indulge in the pleasure of being in a place that combines big city living with small town values:

 

See the sun set on a veld covered with flowers and wild plants, watch wild animals run free and experience the thrill of watching a shark pass your boat; all this can be done in the malaria free area of Nelson Mandela Bay. The Addo Elephant National Park, an hour’s drive from the city centre, caters for all animal lovers. Enjoy the Big 7, consisting of elephant, rhino, Cape buffalo, lion, leopard, southern right whale and great white shark, in their natural habitat in an open vehicle or guided walk.

 

If marine life fascinates you, then diving in Nelson Mandela Bay is a must. Beautiful reefs, interesting shipwrecks from years gone by, colourful soft coral species and the warm water of Algoa Bay will keep you in the water for hours. Surfing, wind surfing, jet skiing and sailing can also be enjoyed in the Bay.

 

A delicious steak covered in a creamy mushroom sauce, chicken and prawn curry, an espetada done in a red wine sauce, sushi, or a decadent piece of double chocolate cake; will satisfy the fussiest palate. Nelson Mandela Bay has the highest capita ratio of restaurants per population in South Africa and with all that variety; everyone will definitely find something to suite their taste.

 

A vibrant array of night clubs to dance the night away, pubs where you can enjoy a beer and a game of pool, and award-winning cocktail bars that serve anything from a banana split martini to bubblegum bazooka; make Nelson Mandela Bay a popular party destination.

 

For the art lover, there are many theatre shows, museums, and art galleries in and around the Bay. Cinemas that show both the new and the old invite all for time to escape to a world that fulfills all your dreams.

 

For more information on the above activities or more activities on offer in Nelson Mandela Bay contact Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism on +27 (0) 41 582 2575 or email info@nmbt.co.za.