Zeki Amdouni's goal wasn't enough – Switzerland were relegated from the Nations League.Image: trapezoid
In the fourth edition of the Nations League, Switzerland was relegated to the second division for the first time. A 1-1 draw with Serbia in Leitzgrund in Zurich decided the fate of coach Murat Yakin's side.
November 15, 2024 23:05November 15, 2024 23:13
They went all out for the 2-0 goal. The Swiss needed a second goal to move above Serbia in the standings and have a chance to secure a league spot on their own in Monday's final round. Ultimately the risk was too great. In the 88th minute, the Serbian team counterattacked after taking a corner kick, and Terzic shot into the net. It was a sting in the heart of the Swiss and an ending that rivaled an unsuccessful Nations League campaign.
Alexa Terzic equalized after a counterattack.Video: SRF
Conceding goals was also painful for Gregor Kerber, who could have been the hero of the match after conceding at least one goal in his tenth international appearance. Because in the 55th minute, he made a wonderful save to seal the victory for the Swiss team. Reacting strongly, he saved Aleksandar Mitrovic's penalty kick with his foot. Letzgrund erupted in cheers, and Kerber pointed a finger at his head to encourage his teammates: It's all in the head now.
The story is almost over after four minutes. After a cross from the left, Zeki Amduni scored. But the man from Geneva failed when his shot from six meters hit Serbian goalkeeper Djordje Petrovich. It should have taken the lead and taken the momentum entirely to the Swiss side.
Greg Kerber denied Serbia the lead from the penalty spot.Video: SRF
Amdouni briefly brought hope back
But in fact, the Swiss had to keep running. Just when it looked like it wasn't going to work out that night, Amdouni struck. After Ricardo Rodriguez's cross, Remo Freuler passed the ball to the 23-year-old, who converted the tie in the 79th minute Rewritten as 1-0. As a result, Amdouni was responsible for three of the four goals in the Autumn Nations League.
Zeki Amdouni puts Switzerland in the lead.Video: SRF
Ultimately, the hypothetical problem remains. What if the ball had dropped off Noah Okafor's thigh in the 28th minute and hit the net instead of the crossbar? What if Amdouni had scored in the 59th minute? What if Eddy Milson Fernandez's 82nd-minute shot had landed on the goal instead of bouncing off the post?
Action shows: Switzerland fights for relegation from League A, but once again they lack the necessary luck and composure. They have found themselves in this unfortunate position due to poor performances, including away from home against Serbia.
No reconciliation with Letzigrund
So in the end the Swiss just retreated in disappointment. A rapprochement with Zurich Leitzgrund did not materialize, the last victory came 17 years ago and the national team has suffered multiple disappointments.
After the group stage, Switzerland will face European champions Spain away from home on Monday. In this inconsequential game in Tenerife, the national team can at least end their unsuccessful campaign on a positive note. The first match of the World Cup qualifiers will continue in March, and Yakin's team will have to show a different look.
Switzerland-Serbia 1:1 (0:0)
Zurich. 21,115 spectators. SR Turpin (France).
tear: 79. Amdouni (Floyll) 1:0. 88. Terzic (Mitrovic) 1:1.
Switzerland: Kerber; Fernandez (83. Mbabu), Choumote, Armenda, Rodriguez; Freyler, Xhaka; Riddell (66. Monteiro), Amduni, Okafor (66. Kutesa), Embolo (66. Zeqiri).
Serbia: Petrovic; Veljkovic, Milenkovic, Babic (46. Stojic); Zivkovic (78. Nedelkovic), Nemanja Maximo Vic, Gudelj, Terzic (89. Zjelar); Samardzic (72. Theme), Vlahovich, Mitrovic (90. Maksimovich).
Comment: Switzerland and other countries are missing Elvedi (suspension/injury), Akanji and Ndoye (both injured). Serbia and other teams are missing Erakovic, Pavlovic (both suspended) and Rajkovic (injured). 55. Kerber saved Mitrovic's penalty kick. Warning: 25. Terzic, 35. Xhaka, 51. Embolo (suspended next game), 51. Zivkovic, 54. Komelt. (National Institutes of Health/National Security Agency)
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