The expectations are crystal clear: Switzerland demands nothing less than another victory from Nati. After three victories over Belarus, Israel and Andorra, the team is leading the European Championship qualifying group table. This is with a head ratio of 10:1.

Monday’s opponent, however, is the strongest in the group against Romania. Currently also in second place, the Eastern European country is the first pursuer of Switzerland.

Romanian media criticize national team

However, cohesion in Romania is not the best: According to Blik, striker George Pushka’s performance against Kosovo was heavily criticized by the Romanian media.

Former professional footballer and CEO of Steaua Bucharest Mihai Stoica writes: “What does he do in the national team? He was just annoying! This is a minor league player; And he doesn’t even play there.

Romania coach Edi Jordanescu felt it necessary to make it clear at the end of the press conference: “I completely disagree with what was written and said. I respect opinions. But George made a good game. It made a big difference to the economy of the game.” However, not Puskas should play against Switzerland, but Denis Alibek from Farul Constanta.

Shaqiri urges caution

On the part of Switzerland, too, there is no complete confidence in victory. The respect is great, as Nati striker Xherdan Shaqiri said at a press conference on Sunday: “It is always risky to underestimate such teams. In particular, small countries have gotten better in recent years.”

However, Switzerland remains the clear favorite in this game. In a direct comparison of two teams, you are better placed in each position. It really depends on your own feet.

Yakin: “We have attacking qualities”

But these moments, of course, do not come by themselves. We still need clarity of performance, says national team coach Murat Yakin at the same press conference: “First of all, it is always important to be ready in order not to give the opponent a chance. We must play our offensive game. Boxing presence is essential to score a goal. I: Take a chance, try something. We have attacking qualities.”

The anticipation for the game is huge. The same goes for the fans: the support for the last qualification was great, with about 800 Swiss fans coming to Andorra. The stadium in Lucerne is even sold out today. Start at 20:45.