Ottmar Hitzfeld reassured Switzerland they can still progress in the World Cup despite “a dark day” against France.
Ottmar Hitzfeld reassured Switzerland they can still progress in the World Cup despite “a dark day” against France.
The 5-2 defeat was almost a record for their heaviest in a major tournament and could’ve been worse, as Diego Benaglio saved a Karim Benzema penalty.
“It was a dark day for the Swiss team,” confessed Coach Hitzfeld, who is retiring after this Brazil experience.
“With two goals in the first 15 minutes, they practically killed us off. We did not play to the level that we can do today.
“At 2-0 down it became very hard for us, then France exploited our mistakes and added to their tally. They showed great composure, as they are a very strong team.”
Honduras and Ecuador face off tonight in Group E, so all is not lost for Switzerland.
“We still have a good chance of qualifying and proved we were still ‘alive’ with those late goals. I want to say emphatically that the knockout stage is still within our reach.
“Our destiny is in our hands. Now we must heal the wounds, analyse what went wrong and bounce back together.”
Steve Von Bergen went off with a suspected fractured cheekbone and eye socket in the opening stages after a coming together with Olivier Giroud.
“Steve went to hospital and I’m afraid he has concussion. I don’t think he’ll be able to play against Honduras in Manaus. Giroud should’ve been booked for that.”