| After failing to qualify for the last two editions | | | | Now on to Italy that also has one of the best teams |
| Switzerland claimed a place in Germany. In their last | | | | in a while. They'll be traveling to Switzerland to |
| appearance in USA 1994 they made it to the round | | | | prepare last minute details before the World Cup. |
| of 16 but fell 3-0 against runner-up Italy. | | | | Germany 2006 will mark Italy's 16th appearance at |
| In the qualifying stage before the play-off second-leg | | | | FIFA World Cup finals, making Sweden 1958 the only |
| defeat by Turkey, the Swiss had gone a full year | | | | final they did not grace with their presence. Following |
| and 14 straight games without defeats; evidence of | | | | their successes in 1934 and 1938, Italy lifted the FIFA |
| the growing strength of a team that includes players | | | | World Cup for the third time in Spain 1982 thanks |
| who attracted rave reviews at various under-age | | | | largely to an outstanding performance by striker |
| levels. Their line-up in the play-offs featured Tranquillo | | | | Paolo Rossi. |
| Barnetta and Philippe Senderos, both of whom | | | | Lead by Totti, Cassano and Pirlo that are currently |
| claimed UEFA European U-17 Championship honors in | | | | big names in Europe's soccer scene. Italy will face |
| 2002. | | | | Switzerland May 31st in Geneva; it will be a good |
| This is a very young athletic Swiss team that can be | | | | match between these two teams that might |
| a pleasant surprise for soccer fans this summer in | | | | resemble the round of 16 back in USA 94' which the |
| Germany as they face France, Korea Republic and | | | | Italian team got the victory. |
| Togo in their group stage. But meanwhile, they have | | | | Germany 2006 will be the opportunity for Italy to |
| a few friendly matches among them they will face | | | | get back in soccer scene as one of the best, since |
| Italy one of the clear contenders for the title in | | | | USA 94'. They haven't been to the final in |
| Germany. | | | | competition in a while and they now they have the |
| In other news coach Kobi Kuhn left out Swiss star | | | | opportunity for a come back, though it won't be an |
| Hakan Yakin of his 23 man squad for the tournament. | | | | easy road but they have the talent and the |
| Allegedly Yaking suffered a groin injury that left him | | | | willingness to do it. |
| out of playing for a few weeks. He has recovered | | | | If you like sports betting this will be a great |
| now but unfortunately won't be traveling to | | | | opportunity to follow the performance of both |
| Germany. "Yakin is a talented player, but we have a | | | | teams towards the World Cup and make your picks |
| lot of other talented players to choose from," Kuhn | | | | once the competition starts. |
| told reporters after naming his squad on Monday. | | | | |