Day 15 Preview: Go Switzerland, seriously
23 June 2006, 06:34
Switzerland and South Korea meet in Hanover today, If you’re supporting the Koreans, shout, “Dae-han Minguk.” Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. This is the cheer performed by thousands of Koreans in unison. If it’s the Swiss you love, remember, “It’s Swiss O’clock!” This is the slogan that’s emblazoned on their team bus.
These are different soccer cultures. South Korea, the emerging Asian power, has developed a fervent fan base that performs in choreographed frenzy. It’s like a massive nationwide drill team. The Swiss, stereotypically at least, are less excitable and less unified. I have been trying to find a place in New York where the Swiss get together to watch the games. When I called the consulate, they said, “just about any place shows the games.” But is there any Swiss gathering? “Well, the Swiss are very spread out.”
Over in Europe, the Swiss tourist board is trying to capitalize on the dispassion. They put out a series of ads this year inviting “World Cup widows” (women who are ignored by the menfolk during the tournament) to come to Switzerland, where the men spend less time on football and more time on you.
Conscious of the ribbing that Switzerland incurs, striker Alexander Frei announced before the Cup: “People are always laughing about Swiss football, and now it is up to us to put a stop to that.” Switzerland has played sober and accomplished soccer so far and needs only a draw to advance.
When they face Korea in today’s critical match, the teams will display contrasting styles of play as well as contrasting soccer cultures. The Koreans raise the tempo of the game by pressing their opponents and relying on fitness. The Swiss are calmer. Physically strong and well-positioned, they will sit back and absorb pressure without conceding anything dangerous. Then they will counter quickly or pass the ball around and look for an opening.
The Koreans often play with three forwards. The Swiss may leave just one man up and pack the midfield. While both are very disciplined sides, the Koreans resemble their chanting fans. They embody a controlled energy. The Swiss are more like their young defensive star Philippe Senderos. He never smiles or gives anything away. He is only 21 (Switzerland is a very young team), but with his shaved head, he appears ageless. He is quietly dominant, and not in the least bit funny.
In Cologne, France has a must-win match against Togo. Here’s the breakdown. If one team wins the KOR-SUI match, that team wins the group. If France also wins, France goes through. If not, KOR and SUI go through.
If SUI-KOR is a draw: and France doesn’t win, the Swiss take the group, and the Koreans are second. If France does win, they will have to win by two goals to nip Korea.
In Group H, Spain, having already booked a place in round 2, will rest some players as they face Saudi Arabia. Tunisia and the Ukraine will fight for second. place. The Ukraine only need a draw (so long as Spain is not crushed by the Saudis). Tunisia must win to go through. Saudi Arabia has a very slim chance, but they must beat Spain by a few goals and hope for Tunisia to do well.
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Day 14 Preview: A victory in itself
Tunisia v Ukraine, 10:00
Excellent piece concerning diving. Probably the most inciteful, articulate writing regarding this subject. Fell fortunate to have discovered you on Slate. Keep up the good writing!
— art · 29 June 2006, 12:36 · #