Ranking Switzerland's Top 6 World Cup Moments
Switzerland’s World Cup is now underway.
The occasion of their first match will have given Swiss fans cause for reflection upon their achievements in previous World Cup tournaments. Haris Seferovic's last-gasp winner is just one of several highlights. Although not regarded as one of Europe’s greatest football nations, they have nevertheless made their presence felt on the global stage.
In this piece, we count down the top six moments of their World Cup history.
6. Quarter-Final in Their 1st World Cup
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In 1934, Switzerland took part in their first-ever World Cup. They were part of a line-up of quarter-finalists that consisted entirely of European teams.
Although they were eliminated by Czechoslovakia, they could look back fondly on a thrilling first-round victory against the Netherlands.
5. Switzerland 4-2 Germany, 1938
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In a replay of their first-round match, Switzerland beat neighbours Germany by four goals to two.
The match and scoreline are still fondly remembered by Swiss fans.
4. The Defensive Record
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During the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Switzerland set the record for most consecutive minutes played without conceding a goal. The team went an incredible 559 minutes (more than nine hours) without conceding, for a period ranging from 1994 to 2010.
3. Beating Spain in 2010
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Switzerland's opening game of the 2010 tournament in South Africa saw them beat Spain 1-0.
To win against the eventual champions was an enormous achievement for a Swiss side in transition.
2. Returning to the World Cup in 1994
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Under English manager Roy Hodgson, Switzerland rose to their highest-ever ranking and reached the World Cup again for the first time in 28 years.
After such a long absence from football's global party, they were elated to return to the competition.
1. Hosting the Tournament
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In 1954, Switzerland hosted the World Cup for the first and only time.
They performed well, reaching the quarter-finals for the third time in their history.
At that stage, they lost 7-5 to Austria in the game that still holds the record for the most goals ever scored in a World Cup match.
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