Switzerland

After an embarrassing start to qualifying with a loss to minnows Luxembourg, Switzerland faced an uphill task to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa but this loss only set about awakening the side and they went on to top their group, even ahead of sides like Greece and Israel.

Coach Ottmar Hitzfeld will be relying on old heads like Alexander Frei leading youngsters like Eren Derdiyok and Tranquillo Barnetto through what could be a tough tournament if their performance in Euro 2008 is anything to go by and it will take all of Hitzfeld's experience to get them out of the group stage in South Africa.

Star Player - Alexander Frei

Alexander Frei's career has seen him succeed wherever in Europe he has played, his career started with him playing for Basel, Thun, Lucerne and Servette in Switzerland before he left to play for Rennes in France.

Here he starred and in the 2004/5 season was the Ligue 1 top scorer. Frei also had a spell at Borussia Dortmund where he scored nearly a goal every other game.

Now back at Basel Frei will be looking to add to his international tally of 40 in South Africa, which is a Swiss national record.

Coach - Ottmar Hitzfeld

Ottmar Hitzfeld is one of the greatest coaches the world has seen and his nickname 'the general' gives you an idea of how he runs his teams.

Hitzfeld is the only manager to have one the Champions League with two different clubs (Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich) and his astute tactical knowledge will see him lead Switzerland into the World Cup in South Africa with a tough defence.

The only problem had by the Swiss side is their lack of goals, which could stop Hitzfeld adding to his trophy cabinet.

One to Watch - Eren Derdiyok

England fans might remember Derdiyok as the youngster who scored on his debut for Switzerland against England at Wembley with his first touch coming on as a sub.

Derdiyok, although of Turkish descent plays for Switzerland and has come through the ranks in Basel before transferring this season to the Bundesliga to play for Bayer Leverkusen. Already the 21 year old has proved a success scoring 12 goals in 20 games.

His talent was recognised at a young age and at the age of 19 he was the youngest player at the tournament.

Odds to win - 175/1

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