COMMENT
This was a performance that produced more questions than answers for Switzerland and coach Vladimir Petkovic. His side were forced to come from behind to secure a share of the points against Romania at Parc des Princes, where a 1-1 all but secured their progression to the knockout stages of Euro 2016 in unconvincing fashion.
Victory in their final match against France will also guarantee them top spot, but the fixture was notable for the disappointing defensive performance of captain Stephan Lichtsteiner. While the Juventus star contributed heavily in an attacking sense, his flank was the one that Romania picked to raid down when they had opportunities to break.
Indeed, it was down the Swiss right from which Anghel Iordanescu’s side got their goal. Alexandru Chipiciu, who was a formidable attacking force throughout, drove into the box and won a cheap penalty from a foul by Lichtsteiner, whose penchant for taking risks with shirt tugs cost him as referee Sergei Kasarev spotted the infringement.
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It was an incident that has the potential to open old wounds in the Swiss camp. Xherdan Shaqiri is reportedly livid about being overlooked both for the armband and for the vice captaincy. Indeed, he's allegedly even threatened to switch allegiance to Kosovo - a move that is allowed due to the young nation’s newly acquired FIFA status.
Shaqiri was arguably the outstanding attacking player in Switzerland’s ranks, persistently worrying the Romanian defence. It was a performance that will enhance his status and influence in the squad and was in contrast to Lichtsteiner’s uneasy display, which was blighted by the silly concession of that first-half penalty.
It might have been more costly, too. For a long period it seemed that the ineptitude that plagued Switzerland in their 1-0 win over Albania last Saturday would continue to haunt them. Haris Seferovic was again hopelessly wasteful when he had good sights of goal, twice blowing chances when well placed, while Blerim Dzemaili was also culpable of missing a couple of clear scoring opportunities.
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The arrival of Breel Embolo was greeted with great cheer from the Swiss fans, but his forgettable cameo did not justify their optimism.
Once again Switzerland were reliant on a corner kick to score. This time it wasn't Fabian Schar who found the net, though he did have their best effort of the first half from long range. Instead, Dzemaili blasted fiercely into the top corner to salvage a point after Romania failed to clear the danger.
A solution is needed to Switzerland's ongoing wastefulness, while Lichtsteiner’s sloppy form is a real worry as they prepare for a showdown with France that is likely to determine who finishes first in Group A. But the nation can at least look forward a to their first-ever spot in the knockout rounds of a European Championship finals.
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