BERLIN, June 30 (Xinhua) -- A shy smile went over the face of Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji before the 28-year-old admitted that he would rather face England as Switzerland's quarterfinal opponent on Saturday in Dusseldorf.
"I have got many friends there, and they would love to see us compete with many of my Premier League colleagues," the Switzerland international said.
Regardless of whether or not Akanji's wish comes true, he and the Switzerland national team have set their marks at Euro 2024, and the defender said he would happily accept any opponent after the team wrote history.
The team hotel in a remote Stuttgart suburb seemed to have turned into a cozy spot after the surprising 2-0 victory over Euro 2020 winners Italy.
With Switzerland seemingly becoming one of the tournament's dark horses, coach Murat Yakin spoke about "goosebumps" running over his back when reflecting on the team's achievements following a bumpy qualification campaign that prompted criticism for him as head coach.
The previous autumn, the former Stuttgart, Kaiserslautern and Fenerbahce midfielder's future as national coach seemed uncertain. Today, the 49-year-old can be seen as the big winner.
Against struggling Italy, he appointed winger Dan Ndoye as a full-back to increase the pressure on the Azzurri. Yakin's move paid off, prompting hysteria from the Swiss media.
"There are no borders now, we don't have to be afraid of anyone after crushing Italy," said the tabloid Blick, adding that Yakin is now the country's hero. The Neue Zuricher Zeitung spoke about "a settled team hungry for a historic success."
Switzerland's well-oiled game approach led to 31 passes ahead of the opening goal from Remo Feuler, "which gives proof of our strength," the Nottingham Forest midfielder said.
Ahead of the quarterfinals, Yakin added that the team's journey isn't over yet, regardless of the value of a victory over a neighboring country with a long history of dominance in international football. ■
