In the first international match of the year, the Swiss national football team faced Northern Ireland in Belfast, showcasing a surprising lineup under the guidance of head coach Murat Yakin. The game, held on March 21, 2025, was crucial as the Swiss team aims to rebound after a disappointing stint in the Nations League and prepare for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
In a bold move, Yakin introduced two debutants into the starting lineup: Isaac Schmidt and Stefan Gartenmann. Schmidt, a 25-year-old right-back, recently moved from St. Gallen to Leeds United in the English second division but had seen limited playtime this season. In contrast, 28-year-old Gartenmann is a seasoned player at Ferencvaros in Hungary, having secured his Swiss passport just two weeks prior to the match. Their inclusion surprised many, yet it represented Yakin's shift towards incorporating younger talent into the national squad.
The match saw Switzerland initially struggle to find their rhythm, highlighted by their inability to capitalize on their ball possession. Despite holding 76% of the ball during the first half, the Swiss failed to register a single shot on target. Instead, it was Northern Ireland that drew first blood, with Isaac Price scoring a stunning free-kick in the 16th minute, putting the Swiss on the back foot.
Yakin’s squad did not falter in their determination to equalize. In the 29th minute, the breakthrough came as Vincent Sierro headed in the equalizer, marking his first goal for the national team. The assist was provided by Ricardo Rodriguez, whose experience and skill remain pivotal to the Swiss side. Rodriguez’s appearance also marked his 126th cap, a significant milestone that places him above Swiss football legend Xherdan Shaqiri in the record books.
As the match unfolded, Switzerland looked for opportunities to shoot but faced repeated blocks from the organized Northern Irish defense. Breel Embolo, who served as captain for the first time in his 74th appearance, led the line but struggled to make a significant impact in the game, prompting Yakin to introduce several substitutes to inject fresh energy into the squad.
In the second half, a series of substitutions were made, including Lucas Blondel and Alvyn Sanches, who replaced Schmidt and Ndoye in the 68th minute. The changes were expected to invigorate the Swiss offense, yet the Northern Irish defense remained resolute.
The final minutes saw a few close calls for Switzerland as they continued to search for a decisive goal, with several chances thwarted by Northern Ireland’s goalkeeper. Throughout the match, Gregor Kobel, the Swiss goalkeeper, made crucial saves to maintain the draw, denying Northern Ireland on several occasions.
Following the match, Murat Yakin expressed mixed feelings about the performance. “This team is looking to rebuild and perform better in the World Cup qualifiers after the setback in the Nations League,” he commented. The coach underscored the importance of building chemistry among the squad, particularly with several new faces on the pitch.
As the Swiss team looks ahead, the focus will be on refining their gameplay, with an eye on the World Cup qualification campaign that starts in the fall. The debut of players like Schmidt and Gartenmann represents a new chapter for the Swiss national team, one that aims to blend youth with experience to reclaim their stature in international football. While this match ended in a draw, it signals that the Swiss are keen on turning the tide and see potential in the upcoming generations.
Eventually, the match against Northern Ireland will serve as a valuable lesson for the Swiss side. They will need to harness the enthusiasm of their new players while honing their tactical execution if they hope to succeed in qualifying for the World Cup. With the extensive experience of players like Rodriguez integrating with rookies like Gartenmann, the path forward looks promising.
