Switzerland VS USA – Match Report

7:15pm GMT Kick Off, Kybun park, International Friendly

Switzerland fought from one goal down to win 2-1 against the USA, with goals coming from Rodriguez and Zuber

Switzerland found themselves 1-0 down in the first minute, but won the game 2-1 with goals from Ricardo Rodriguez and Steven Zuber either side of the half time whistle.

Both teams used this game to prepare for their upcoming tournaments. Switzerland are preparing for the Euros, while USA are preparing for the Concacaf.

The US took the lead within five minutes. The ball bounced off a Switzerland defender after a cross from Giovanni Reyna. The ball came to the feet of Sebastian Lletget who placed into the corner of the net.

However, Switzerland drew things level minutes later. Silvan Widmer played a ball across the box to Ricardo Rodriguez. He waited to pick his spot, and his shot deflected off Reggie Cannon, past Ethan Horvath.

Lletget tried to pull America back in front. He drove forward with the ball, and unleashed his effort from 25 yards out. The ball was moving in the air, but Yann Sommer did well to get behind his shot.

Lletget was causing problems yet again for the Switzerland defense. Reyna made a run and played in Lletget. He whipped a ball in towards Josh Sargent. The ball couldn’t reach the Werder Bremen striker, but it nearly found the back of the net. Luckily for Sommer, it was just off target.

Lletget once again came close to putting USA in front. The American forwards were playing a high press which forced Switzerland into a mistake. The loose ball went to Lletget to tried to find the bottom corner, but it hit the side netting.

America were on the front foot and were pushing for another goal. This time Brenden Aaronson tested the Swiss defense. He turned his man and drilled his effort goal bound which forced a save from Sommer. Then Sargent had a looping header that was also saved by Sommer.

Despite all the hard work from the US, Switzerland got themselves a penalty . The penalty was given after the ball hit the hand of Sergino Dest. Rodriguez stepped up to take the penalty, but he missed the target and the scoreline stayed level as the half time whistle arrived.

Switzerland should have taken the lead just minutes into the second half. From a corner, Denis Zakaria won a header, which was met by the head of Fabian Schar. He had a free header, but somehow headed it over the bar, as he wasted a wonderful oppurtunity.

Then it was the US that came close to taking the lead. Reyna found space just outside the box and attempted his luck. Sommer was rooted as Reyna’s shot bounced off the post for a goal kick.

Then it switched once again, as it was time for Switzerland to attack, Breel Embolo broke down the right wing twice, and Horvath matched the shots on both occasions to keep the score level.

It didn’t take long for Switzerland to get a chance to put themselves ahead, which came with a bit of fortune. Embolo missed the initial chance, but luckily for him the ball bounced off Dest into the path of Steven Zuber who fired it in to put the Swiss ahead.

Switzerland should have had a third to finish off the game. Zuber did well to play to ball to Remo Freuler in the box, but his wild attempt flew over the goal.

The US could have capitalised on the mistake by Freuler just moments after as substitute Timothy Weah charged towards the Switzerland goal, the danger from Weah needed an important block from Eray Comert.

Then it was Haris Seferovic who wasted a golden oppurtunity. The forward broke through the US backline and tried to chip the keeper. He had enough on the chip, but missed the chance to double their lead.

Switzerland were able to hold onto their lead, as they pick up an important win in their preparation for the Euros.

Man Of The Match – Sebastian Lletget

Despite being on the losing side this evening, the 28-year-old was brilliant before he was subbed off.

He created a series of chances, and helped with the high press in the first half, which made the US look better than the Swiss in the first half.

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