Xhaka remains Switzerland’s midfield reference point, trusted to receive the ball under pressure, organise possession and dictate the tempo from deep. At 33, his value is also emotional: he is the player most likely to demand a reaction when standards drop.
The report says he was especially critical after the draw with Qatar. His blunt assessment - “Todo empate parece uma derrota” - reflected the frustration of a captain who expects Switzerland to control matches more convincingly.
That intensity can be decisive in a tournament setting, where small lapses often separate progress from elimination.
Up front, Embolo gives Switzerland a different kind of threat. He can stretch defensive lines, attack space and impose himself physically against central defenders.
The update says he played a direct role in the Qatar result by winning and converting a penalty. That contribution underlined his importance: Switzerland need Embolo not only to finish chances, but also to create disorder when the team’s passing game becomes predictable.
His aggression allows the midfield to play forward earlier, giving Xhaka and his partners a target beyond the first defensive line.
Akanji supplies calm at the back, combining recovery pace with experience at the highest level. His role is to keep the defensive line stable and begin attacks without unnecessary risk.
If Xhaka supplies the voice and Embolo the force, Akanji provides the balance. Switzerland’s next challenge will be turning that experienced core into a complete tournament performance - one that matches the captain’s demand for more than a draw.