Two nations looking to return to form will do battle today in an international friendly between Switzerland and Jamaica. The Swiss World Cup tune-up scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET will be held at the Swissporarena in Lucerne. Information on where and how to stream the match can be found here.
For Switzerland, today's friendly serves as a momentum builder for the 2014 World Cup. The team has not lost a competitive match since 2011, but has only received a modicum of respect from the international community. It'll take another decent showing at the World Cup to earn their due. For head coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, laying the foundation for said World Cup begins today.
Unfortunately, a slew of injuries will prevent him from doing it at full strength, with Tranquillo Barnetta (hamstring) and Mario Gavranovic (ankle) recovering from injuries.
"Gavranovic now begins again with the running training and next week should be able to train with the team again. I'm assuming that [Barnetta] is fully fit again this weekend," Hitzfeld said (via Goal). "The fact that we have a couple of ailing players is normal," he added.
"We have trained incredibly intensely in Weggis over the past four days. Competition is greater than four years ago before the World Cup in South Africa."
"We must lay the foundation for Brazil here."
Will that foundation be laid with victory over Jamaica in the Swissporarena? Tell us @SportsWN
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: Switzerland's' Gökhan Inler had a stellar campaign for Napoli in 2013-14. The 29-year-old remains the defensive driving force for both club and country, averaging 2.9 tackles and 1.9 interceptions per match with Napoli. His 1.8 dribbled on average, however, is a cause for concern and will be tested against the speedy attack Jamaica possess.
Switzerland's Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Benaglio; Rodriguez, Djourou, Von Bergen, Lichtsteiner; Behrami, Inler; Stocker, Xhaka, Shaqiri; Seferovic
Jamaica's Projected Lineup (4-4-2): Blake; Lawrence, Morgan, Doyley, Mariappa; Dawkins, Austin, Grant, Campbell; Mattocks, Seaton
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