The Swiss national football team kicked off its 2025 season with a friendly match against Northern Ireland on March 21, ending in a 1-1 draw at Windsor Park in Belfast. This match provided head coach Murat Yakin a unique opportunity to assess his squad's depth, particularly newer members, as they gear up for the World Cup qualifiers.
Kicking off at 20:45 local time, the Swiss side started the game looking to regain confidence following a disappointing performance in the UEFA Nations League. One significant change was the appointment of Breel Embolo as captain, marking this as his first time leading the national team in the absence of Granit Xhaka, who was celebrating the birth of his third child. "This is, of course, a special match for me, my family, and my closest friends. I will do my best to fulfill my role as captain," Embolo remarked before the game, illustrating the importance he placed on this moment.
The match showcased some fresh faces in the squad, with Lucas Blondel and Stefan Gartenmann starting, while Alvyn Sanches was also introduced during the game, all aiming to solidify their places in the national team. The players had recently trained under the sun in Algarve, a setting intended to promote group cohesion and preparation for the match.
In the opening half, the Swiss team struggled to find their rhythm, and Northern Ireland made them pay attention by launching multiple attacks. Although Switzerland had only two shots on goal to Northern Ireland's four, they maintained some defensive organization, largely thanks to goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who made a crucial save early on against a header from Northern Ireland's Donley.
As the match progressed, the team showed moments of promise, such as Vincent Sierro's header that brought Switzerland a much-needed goal. Following a well-executed corner taken by Ricardo Rodrigues, Sierro leaped above the defenders to find the back of the net, making the score 1-1 just before half-time. This moment proved to be pivotal for the Swiss side, instilling hope and lightening the mood.
However, the return to the pitch after half-time saw Switzerland still struggling to capitalize on their opportunities. Substitutions were made, including Monteiro, Zeqiri, and Rieder entering the field, while Embolo, Vargas, and Aebischer were taken off. Despite these tactical adjustments, the team could not find a breakthrough to secure a win.
Coach Yakin still has questions to address regarding the team's cohesion. Without key players like Freuler, suffering from flu-like symptoms, and Xhaka's absence, there were signs of frustration as the players fumbled some offensive plays, leading to missed chances.
With the integration of fresh talent, the new formation and emphasis on youth could bode well for the team's future in the World Cup qualifiers. During this evaluation period, Yakin consciously chose to allow the younger players time on the pitch to understand their capabilities, indicating a strategic approach toward building the team for the 2026 World Cup.
The friendly against Northern Ireland served not just as a match but as a litmus test for the players, especially those new to the national scene like Sanches and Blondel. By providing them with this opportunity, Yakin hopes to find a foundation that can withstand the pressure of competitive play on the international stage.
As the game ended in a draw, the team's management will need to analyze how they can better construct defensive plays and enhance the connection between the midfield and the attack. The transition between defense and offense seemed challenging, and players like Zakaria and Sierro will need to step up to strengthen that crucial linkage.
The upcoming couple of matches, including one against Luxembourg just a few days later, will likely invite a similar vigilance from coach Yakin to continue assessing the squad. Although it may seem these matches could be inconsequential, they offer a crucial window for building a resilient squad and elucidate the players’ environments and how each one fits into the larger framework of the national team.
As the Swiss team exited the field that evening, they knew they had much to refine before their qualifying bid for the World Cup begins, but the resilience they showed in coming back to equalize in Belfast could serve as the foundation for the challenges ahead.
