Born in Visp, in the canton of Valais, in 1958, he graduated in law and journalism. In a diplomatic career spanning nearly four decades, he has visited Kinshasa, Ankara, Guatemala, Pretoria and served as ambassador to Ecuador, Venezuela, the Czech Republic and Peru. Expect “a game between friends” from this match. And he gives Swiss coach Murat Yakin personal advice: “The most important thing is not to let the Portuguese midfield dictate the game”.
As will watch the game between Portugal and Switzerland here in Lisbon?
I have already seen the game between Portugal and Switzerland when Portugal won 4-0 [em junho, na fase de grupos da Liga das Nações]🇧🇷 At that point it was a bit of a disappointment. But in the second leg, in Geneva, Switzerland took revenge and won 1-0. Therefore everything is possible. And I think today it is also possible for us to win. Portugal is a favorite team for me to become world champions. Nevertheless, Portugal will have to play against Switzerland. It’s not an easy team. I expect a game with a slight Portuguese superiority, but balanced.
What is the most dangerous thing about the Swiss team, what should Portugal watch out for?
Personally, I think the midfield is decisive. Both teams have an excellent midfield. Portugal has Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, William Carvalho, Otávio. It is the center of the four diamonds. But Switzerland also has good players: we have Shaqiri, we have Shaka, we have Freuler. I think the two midfielders will be decisive. Of course Portugal has Ronaldo. But the decisive point, for me, for Switzerland to win, is to try to neutralize the Portuguese quality in midfield.
Ronaldo is the star, but isn’t neutralizing him enough to stop Portugal?
Of course, Ronaldo can decide every game, but I think the most important thing for the Swiss coach is not to let the Portuguese midfield decide the game.
If Switzerland beat Portugal, how far can they go?
Switzerland beating Portugal is difficult, but it is possible. For me, Portugal is one of the favorites to win the World Cup. I have two favourites: Brazil and Portugal. For us, the game is against one of the favorites to win the trophy. But Switzerland want to win, they want to show brilliant play and they want to compete against Portugal with everything. I hope for everyone who loves football that it will be an interesting game. In the end, the result doesn’t matter that much. Because this is a game between friends, it is a game between countries that know each other well, between two European countries that love football, that have a lot in common. So for us it’s a game where we’re going to give everything. And may the best win.
Source: DN
