Let's Hear it for the Swiss

The general consensus of opinion appears to be that Switzerland’s game with the Ukraine, which was eventually decided on a nervous penalty shoot-out, was terminally boring.

Well on this occasion, the party line seems a bit harsh. To begin with, it wasn’t so boring if you happen to come from Switzerland or the Ukraine, in much the same way as England’s performances haven’t been seen as dull by all their fans, especially those who took the precaution of getting a bit of a glow on before watching the spectacle (and in any case, it doesn’t matter if England’s matches are boring because in the gospel according to Rio, it’s the result that counts not the performance).

What’s more, Switzerland in particular can return home with their heads held high. Despite not being one of the more glamorous or highly fancied international sides, they won their group easily and did not concede a single goal in open play in four matches. Something which is unlikely to be matched.

And who would dispute the view that they might have been even more successful but for the unfortunate injury to Philippe Senderos?