We are the best Switzerland team that has ever existed, says coach Murat Yakin

Switzerland coach Murat Yakin believes his squad is well equipped to make history as they prepare for their opening match of the 2022 World Cup against Cameroon in Group G on Thursday.

The Swiss have not reached the quarter-finals since they hosted the tournament in 1954 but, having emerged undefeated through qualifying, Yakin has urged his side to make the most of what he considers an unprecedented opportunity.

“I think we have a great team with a great team spirit that has been built for the last couple of years. Football-wise we have improved a lot, and now we want to write history.”

Switzerland’s hopes have been further bolstered by the form of captain Granit Xhaka, who joined up with the team having helped Arsenal to the top of the Premier League by the mid-season break.

“I think my club has had a great season but I always say the national team is something different,” said Xhaka. “Of course I’ve got major self-confidence, and I will try to pass it on to my team-mates.”

Switzerland will face a Cameroon side who have failed to pick up a point in either of their previous two finals appearances – campaigns which were often racked by in-fighting or rows over financial reward.

Song believes the off-field issues that have blighted the Indomitable Lions’ attempts to recreate their magical run to the 1990 quarter-finals have been solved, giving his side hope of recreating former glories.

“We are very pleased that after all the mistakes we’ve made in the past, we haven’t had any problems or disputes about wages or money, and things have changed,” said Song.

“They are different periods in our history, times when we weren’t great and there were problems with the organisation behind the scenes, but I do feel that we are now at a very different level.

“As a manager I feel the same as I did when I was a player, but I’m not on the pitch so I have to transmit those emotions to the players to have the same energy, determination and objectives to take our chances.

“Of course, we can always look back to the past and look into history, but now we are in a good position to show what we are capable of in this tournament.”