Are Switzerland the new DARK HORSE? Will the Swiss go all the way in Euro 2024? | ESPN FC

Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens discuss the impressive performances from Switzerland and debate whether they have what it takes to potentially win Euro 2024.
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[@zalemdreams]

Marcotti is unbearable when it comes to Switzerland. He constantly dismisses them. I can smell the salt through the screen.

[@Luke-Hiles]

He says Switzerland won't win games due to their talent, then he lists about 5 players who can win the game with their talent🤣🤣. I agree that they are a sum of their parts, but to suggest that they're all brains and no talent is a complete lack of understanding of how good these Swiss players are.

[@otdavid_]

Exactly. A good majority of the time English journalist's say the dumbest things It's hilarious.

[@michaelrowell7798]

It's just sour grapes from an Italian supporter don't worry about it.

[@Black4Cook]

As a Person from Switzerland I can say that Switzerland probably have the best talents right now, they have ever had in the past years. Yes a lot of the "stars" players became older (Shaqiri 32, Xhaka 31, Akanji 28, Rodriguez 31) but they are still on a great level in combination with experience. If you look at the top nation, they often struggle because their superstars don't play together as good as they should. That's definitely not the case with Switzerland. Their the biggest problem is that they often stop playing football after the 1rst half and become passive at times, which is the time when they receive the goals.

[@captainsmoke1612]

Says Switzerland is not talented and proceeds to mention all their talented players. Like have you seen the goals they scored?

[@zalemdreams]

Marcotti only gives backhanded compliments to Switzerland. A lot of bitterness coming from him when it comes to that team specifically.

[@CHALETARCADE]

You obviously can't hear! He didn't say they aren't talented, he said they would win mostly because they're smart players. Not the same thing.

[@user-qh1lp7bi2y]

Fully agree, I'm English and there isn't a chance in a month of Sundays or an 8 day week that we are doing anything else other than losing convincingly to this Swiss side, congrats on making semis Switzerland

[@qwerttzizzi]

Why specifically?​@@zalemdreams

[@Hanamantaray]

They will beat the England team in the quarterfinals, go Switzerland ❤

[@maskless1087]

No they won't. They couldn't even beat Scotland.

[@Black4Cook]

@@maskless1087 Switzerland always plays better against bigger nations.

[@admar3253]

@@maskless1087 its coming home, england is the best team ever

[@y.b.9164]

The English team is indisputably the most expensive with a market value of 1.5 billion. But if they are supposed to be the best, they have been able to hide that quite well so far 🤣🤣🤣​@@admar3253

[@England-fan01]

Yes ​@@admar3253

[@Oreiro123]

Switzerland is not a dark horse. They are a good team that has done well at Euros. They knocked out France at last Euros. They are definitely not a dark horse.

[@kendyjapri1559]

Switz is a dark horse, do you even know the meaning of dark horse?

[@Oreiro123]

@@kendyjapri1559 obviously I do. I don't think Switzerland is a dark horse. Austria yes, Switzerland no.

[@gabrielesantucci6189]

​​@@Oreiro123Come on my friend...they beat a non-existent italy...the poorest Italy ever! I don't think they have much chance now with England or france or Belgium or Spain or Germany .

[@kendyjapri1559]

@@Oreiro123 switz and austria is a dark horse, what are u talking about mate.

[@ulfanfinneriksen4643]

No, they are losing to England in the quarter final 😊.

[@detonator2112]

I think last two World Cups have proved that the lesser, smaller countries can go far. Croatia 2018 and Morocco 2022. Before that it was only Brazil, Argentina, Germany and Italy that were winning... until France finally reached the final in 1998 and then Spain in 2010. When Cameroon reached 1/4 finals in 1990 it was already a sensation. Now you can see countries like Costa Rica there. I think in the old days these smaller countries felt themselves inferior and came to play these games with way too humble attitude. Italy played like sh*t and the fact that they're historically one of the greats didn't affect anything to Swiss' players attitude. They trashed them. Nobody cares about history or their "status". If England plays like they did in the last 4 games, they will be trashed too.

[@gabrielesantucci6189]

This italy was only the ghost of italy was...the worst italy in 60 years i think. Switzerland is a good average team ...let's not turn into Brazil! If England faces it with care, respect and determination, there is no chance for Switzerland!!!

[@asamanthinketh1937]

⁠@@gabrielesantucci6189slovakia, slovenia, denmark and serbia: all worse teams than Switzerland and England did not convince in any of the games

[@otdavid_]

​@@gabrielesantucci6189 When Argentina won the world cup no-one talked about the teams they faced. All the teams they faced after the quarter final were shadows of themselves. France had no Giroud, no Kante, No Pogba and many other players that were key against Croatia in the 2018 WC. So don't go yapping about how Italy is this and that. If they were so bad why didn't they decide not to partake in the tournament why didn't they call for better players. You can cry all you want but Switzerland are going to destroy England. Trust me !

[@SharonCothren]

@@otdavid_what has Argentina got to do with this conversation? Crodie

[@Whaleydavey]

@@gabrielesantucci6189England were outplayed by Denmark, Switzerland have shown much more than Denmark. And England are not improving the slightest after 4 games. On current form, Switzerland dominates both midfield and chances on and off target. And I’m an England fan, so I’m not biased against them.

[@ryanbeltran9413]

As a Swiss fan, I believe in this team over the years and think they can beat anybody on a given day, but I just don’t think them or other mid tier nations can be favorites over top nations easily unless they have players like Croatia and Belgium have recently had. I believe Switzerland has amazing talent though. Xhaka, Akanji, and Sommer have become elite and all were huge contributors to title winning clubs in Europe. It’s just not international football you got to give the top nations the benefit of the doubt, I mean in all team sports. I still believe in the Swiss and want them to obviously win because I think they can do what Croatia and Denmark did last euros but it all comes down if they win on Saturday and how then perform. Also matchups better in team sports and I do feel this matchup could be a bit harder for the Swiss than others. I do feel England have the best personnel to mark Xhaka with Rice and Bellingham but IDK I feel they sit really far back, but they can still mark Xhaka and change the formation to limit the midfield. Also the offensive threats are apparent. England’s wings and forward or obviously much threatening than Italy’s but I will say the Swiss handled Germany well and we know their offensive system has been doing good these euros. Also Switzerland’s FWs and Wings have never been elite outside Shaqiri. I think that’s a worry for the Swiss is if they can score on a great back four of England for mg opinion. Still, we know the pressing of Swiss has really been good and probably a big difference why they are in the quarterfinals again. If England sits back like they have all tournament, the pressing can possibly still work for Switzerland even if they mark Xhaka. Compared to Slovakia, there still have decent forwards, wings, and attacking midfielders who have good energy and argaubly more athletic. So as a fan I have faith they can best England but I’m not going to disrespect England or out too much pressure. I really don’t like how people praise the Swiss to just hate Italy and England lol. Just too much expectations and using them to hate the English right now. I do think England have been frustrating, but truth is in football talent can win you many games in a tournament and Great teams can’t Et away with a lot of luck. I’m not surprised if a similar situation happens against Slovakia against the Swiss, like it goes to penalties even if the Swiss might’ve played better. Thing is England has so much potential to fix something to make things easier for them but I have faith in the Swiss regardless. I do think compared to Portugal, England can fix their issues better. Portugal today looked similar to England and very similar talent but I feel they are older in the back and have more ego with Ronaldo and Fernandez. We’ll see ant happens on Saturday and hope it’s a good game regardless what happens.

[@arthurau9231]

Switzerland already won the game against England. The game itself nothing more than a mere formality to make the Swiss win official.

[@alexojideagu]

You wish

[@kageryu311]

This attitude us why Switzerland will lose.

[@sarahschaubss]

​@@kageryu311yet the only one who just showe attitude is u

[@England-fan01]

Hahaha, facts! Switzerland will lose

[@oliherrera977]

Apart from the name and his obvious love of food, can anyone tell me what is Italian about this Gab guy anyway. It can't be his football expertise.

[@whachyagonnado]

did u confuse the titles? is there a video about the swiss named lets kick the italian coach while he down?

[@arthurau9231]

100% chance Switzerland wins against England in the quarter final.

[@catchmeifyoucan1807]

The Laurel and Hardy of Football Analysis. This comedy show is so hilarious 😂😂

[@captainzoom6754]

The only dark horse here is Austria

[@Black4Cook]

Semi-final: Switzerland-Austria, I would love it.

[@ggx444]

not anymore lol

[@arthurau9231]

$100 Billion bet Switzerland beats over rated England.

[@kageryu311]

You'll go broke. I marked this comment so we can revisit it.

[@England-fan01]

​@@kageryu311 he's a 🤡. England knocking Switzerland out!

[@Dan-lg4bs]

🤡

[@asamanthinketh1937]

I cant believe that Gab said Akanji cannot play out of the back. What is he smoking? Jules has a very balanced and correct view of Switzerland

[@Mux727]

Gabs Clown Show continues😂😂😂

[@otdavid_]

Switzerland will clap England end of story.

[@England-fan01]

Wrong!

[@admar3253]

i think they will win it have good players like shaqri akanji and sommer

[@mare659]

Rodriguez plays his best tournament ever.

[@patricklerch5536]

Hopp schwiiz 🙌

[@perjamer8333]

Marcotti is very sour here because his Italy got beaten. Switzerland will beat this current England team. Hopefully Switzerland are Austria will make it all the way.

[@dunegoon7412]

This swiss team is playing with confidence and passing fantasticly. England, on the other hand, dont look great passing and surprisingly slow. This swiss front run run and run some more.

[@Tony-lt2jr]

Austria could win this tournament

[@MrKaravaj]

England will still win that game - come back and see

[@Dan-lg4bs]

🎯

[@Vickzq]

If they keep their heads low, who knows.

[@elmozelf]

So Switserland we talk about but Austria, the real outsider no? Ah ofcourse.. Rangnick.. that would take swallowing.

[@Vickzq]

Really, you're butthurt? They had a 16min report on switzerland vs italy... but talked 15,5min about italy.

[@gabrielesantucci6189]

​@@VickzqThey talked about italh for 15 min. ??? Perhaps because italy with all its "glory" was the biggest disappointment of the tournment and that's what causes the most sensation as if Germany or england or Brazil or Argentina etc , were eliminated from a tournment! They are jiournalists, easy to understand !!!

[@Vickzq]

@@gabrielesantucci6189 That's no excuse to ignore the team that annihilated them.

[@gabrielesantucci6189]

​​@@VickzqItaly annihilated itself...it was embarassing for us italians. Never seen an italy like this. I don't want "belittle" Switzerland but things must read objectively...italy is just a ghost ...England isn't , watch out!!! Ciao👍😉

[@gabrielesantucci6189]

​@@VickzqAllora te lo scrivo in italiano. Fa più notizia un eliminazione dell italia di una qualsiasi vittoria della Svizzera!!! Fattene una ragione!

[@Whaleydavey]

Gab said the Swiss have four world class players, four future world class players, and a couple of players that used to be world class. They have a slightly different definition than me. I consider a player world class if they would be chosen in a “current or past world eleven side” or one of maybe 6 players that might sit on the bench of that world side. So you would need to be top 18 players in the world at any one time to be considered world class. Anything less is “ international” class.

[@asamanthinketh1937]

I think he said that about italy, not switzerland

[@Whaleydavey]

@@asamanthinketh1937whoops yeah OK - you’re right

[@charliegreen4588]

Think Switzerland will win. The only bright side for England is that Switzerland have only kept 1 clean sheet, and conceded a few headers. Where in contrast the only goals England get are headers or set pieces.

[@rajakhan-lr1yx]

Did u sleep properly

[@adhdtv4500]

The lack of interest the Azzurri had was a Vergogna

[@TurboGauchiste]

No

[@Urban_Walrus]

the English go like: Yes, the Swiss are the better team, but we still win, because we are England - we won the Worldcup in 1966!

[@MrRossipoo]

Indeed

[@sevi7301]

The most convincing teams so far were spain, germany, france (in their game against belgium and with a difficult group), switzerland and austria. Then there are england qnd portugal who were poor but have individual qualities

[@SharonCothren]

France had the softest group

[@alexojideagu]

France have not even scored a goal

[@sevi7301]

@@alexojideagu they did, i know two were counted as own goals and they have not shone offensively but they scored one that was not an own goal. Plus they controlled the gamw against belgium really well. You can see that now they really are in the tournament.

[@vicyet6002]

🇨🇭🇨🇭🇨🇭🇨🇭

[@LG555]

What is it with Gabs hateboner against Switzerland.

[@michaelwaters3530]

Didn’t they draw with Scotland??😂

[@user-tw3re9hg3j]

Didn't England draw with Slovenia ?who are ranked alot lower than Scotland 😂. Don't read so much into these results

[@Lifeskeyishappiness]

Portugal also drew with Slovenia and needed penalties to win, France drew with Poland and still haven't scored a goal in open play yet

[@Black4Cook]

Group stage matches don't matter. You saw that they didn't fully commit after the 1:1 to really win the game. They knew, with 4 points, there is a 90% chance that they qualify for the round of 16. Look at England. They didn't try to win the last group game because they knew that they still win the group with a draw to Slovenia.

[@danielammeter6499]

@@Black4Cook That was exactly the tactic in the second half. 4 points were enough and Germany still to come. Best regards from Switzerland

[@Black4Cook]

@@danielammeter6499 ond s unentschiede gäge dütschland esch gar ned eso schlächt gsi wenn mer de turnierbaum eso aluegt (lieber england als spanie)

[@ghg27689gf]

Switzerland will definitely beat England. But they may not win the tournament

[@bobich1244]

Switzerland can go to the final

[@Tosse901]

The english arrogance will hopefully be humbled once again. Always looking down on everyone else and still they wonder why everyone outside of England is against them in every game.

[@gabrielesantucci6189]

Wich english? One is italian and the other with the football shirt doesn't seem english to me!!! 😂😂😂

[@Tosse901]

@@gabrielesantucci6189 the arrogance that English pundits show when it comes to any other team than England.

[@EnzoCappalini4678]

The Swiss are better than the English at everything: Richer. smarter, fitter, better looking. prettier country. better food, better at languages, better at football, tennis, athletics.Pretty , much the Swiss are better at everything. Even the chocolate is better.

[@alexhiscock3122]

They’re literally not better at anything ! Bet your a salty Scot

[@ryanbeltran9413]

To be fair I’ve been watching some English media and bro they amhate their team so much they think Switzerland are favorites lol. I want the Swiss to win so bad but don’t like people picking Switzerland cause they hate the English. They did with Italy too.

[@bigtony4829]

England will still beat them even though they are playing terrible England have played better in previous tournaments and had no luck now they are playing terrible and getting luck They surely cant play as bad as they have been it has to be better

[@gabrielesantucci6189]

In a short tournment like the Euro it's not important to play well, it's important to win! World cup or euro or america's cup etc are not always won by the team that plays the best.

[@ortegaJfk]

Naw son you getting smoked Saturday!

[@jahwadey]

Unless England starts with the team and urgency they ended the last match with, Switzerland are gonna beat them. France will only beat Switzerland with an Mbappe masterclass. Watch.

[@gabrielesantucci6189]

Ok, congratulations to Switzerland but in all honestly they beat the poorest Italy that has ever existed in about 60 years!!! They don't have much hope if England play them as "England"!!!

[@captainsmoke1612]

They also beat the most talented France team of all time last Euros and should've beat Germany this tournament. England playing as england at this point means England playing like Albania, no offense to albania. lol

[@gabrielesantucci6189]

​​@@captainsmoke16121) They beat France 3 years ago on a bad night for the french and only on penalties. 2) They didn't beat Germany , it ended 1-1 , and Germany, have already qualified didn't play "at the death" ! 3) England didn't play very well so far but they can beat Switzerland easily with the talented player they have! Comparing england to Albania seems absurd to me honestly!

[@efzezet8003]

Yeeeeeeeeeaaaa italian tears in my veins🎉 dont forget the quali match haha the last 60 years and italy cant play at the world cup

[@user-tw3re9hg3j]

Yeah if England play them as the tournament winners they are they will definitely .......oh wait you ve to go back to 58 years to when you won a tournament. The sheer arrogance of you lot when England has underperformed the whole tournament

[@gabrielesantucci6189]

​@@user-tw3re9hg3jI'm italian and we won the last tournment 3 years ago!!! What the f. are you writing??? Ahahahah 😂😂😂

[@sivaramlord9151]

Nope. England is a far superior team, with world class players like Pickford, Walker, Trent, Mainoo, Palmer, Phoden and of course, the next Balon D Or winner, Jude Bellingham. They will dismantle this Swiss team, which only can draw with Germany and Scotland in the Euros.

[@nivolala]

If he plays 😂😂😂😂

[@sivaramlord9151]

@@nivolala He will play and he will win it again for England. You just wait and see

[@nivolala]

@@sivaramlord9151 all good - looking forward to see a fantastic game, may the better team win.

[@asamanthinketh1937]

There is no question that England has a far superior team on paper. The swiss are underdogs, they have never been to a semi final in a major tournament. However if you point out the draws of Switzerland, lets examine England: draw against slovenia, denmark and slovakia. Bearly won against serbia. By the way: England drew against scotland in the last euro Put that in contrast of the potential. Switzerland has a way better euro than England. Typically they dont stand a chance, however on Saturday they have a chance to advance if England continues to play like they did

[@sivaramlord9151]

@@asamanthinketh1937 You can't compare about past games cause they don't affect the game between England vs Switzerland. At one side, England has the world class players, and the other side it is just Swiss. England will win this clash and will go on to the semis.

[@jimmyyue238]

England should be playing Italy next. Switzerland should have already gone home.

[@asamanthinketh1937]

🤣 have you watched the game?