Preview: Wales vs Switzerland
Wales vs
Switzerland
As Wales, under caretaker manager Robert Page, prepare for their Euro 2020 debut with a potential frontline featuring Gareth Bale and Daniel James, they face a formidable Swiss side led by Vladimir Petkovic, who are riding high on a six-game winning streak.
Wales
Wales picked up a goalless draw against Albania in last Saturday's international friendly match. However, before that fixture, they suffered an embarrassing 3-0 defeat to France, with goals from Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and Ousmane Dembele marking their second defeat in six games across all international competitions: WLWWLD.
Caretaker manager Robert Page has been in charge for eight games, achieving four victories, two draws, and two defeats: 4W, 2D & 2L. He stepped in on November 3, 2020, after Ryan Giggs temporarily stepped aside due to legal issues.
For Euro 2020, Rob Page's squad includes Juventus' Aaron Ramsey, Liverpool's Harry Wilson, and Manchester United's Daniel James. Real Madrid's Gareth Bale and Leeds United's Tyler Roberts are also in the lineup.
A 4-4-2 formation is expected for Wales' first Euro 2020 appearance, with Bale and Daniel James spearheading the attack. In his press conference, Page confirmed that Giggs will not be involved in coaching or briefings during the tournament, though his advice will be welcomed if required.
Switzerland
Meanwhile, Switzerland will be coming into this fixture riding a wave of six consecutive wins: WWWWWW. Their impressive form included a commanding 7-0 victory over Liechtenstein on Thursday, the 3rd of June. Mario Gavranovic was the star of the match, netting a hat-trick, while Christian Fassnacht added a brace to the tally.
Prior to this remarkable win, Switzerland edged out the USA with a 2-1 triumph in an international friendly on the 30th of May. Coach Vladimir Petkovic has included key players such as Dortmund's Manuel Akanji, Mönchengladbach's Nico Elvedi, Torino's Ricardo Rodríguez, and Newcastle United's Fabian Schär in his squad for this tournament.
Liverpool's Xherdan Shaqiri and Arsenal's Granit Xhaka, both having had mixed fortunes in the recently concluded Premier League season, are also part of the team. Switzerland's best performance in the Euros was reaching the round of 16 in 2016, while they exited at the group stage in 1996, 2004, and 2008.
Vladimir Petkovic, who has been at the helm of the Rossocrociati since July 2014, has guided Switzerland to 40 victories in 73 matches, reflecting a 55% win rate. In his tenure, the 57-year-old former Lazio manager has also recorded 15 draws and 18 defeats.
For the upcoming match, Petkovic is expected to employ a 3-4-1-2 formation, which has been his preferred setup in the last two games. This tactical approach aims to maximize Switzerland's strengths and continue their winning momentum.
