Switzerland have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of significant squad disruptions, delivering a commanding 3-0 triumph over North Macedonia on Saturday evening to launch their Nations League campaign with authority. The emphatic victory comes amid the notable absences of captain Granit Xhaka and striker Breel Embolo, two pivotal figures whose unavailability could have derailed preparations ahead of the crucial trip to Hampden to face Scotland. Instead, head coach Murat Yakin's side produced a masterclass in pressing and finishing, reassuring observers that depth and adaptability remain hallmarks of this competitive Swiss outfit.
The circumstances surrounding both key players' omissions add layers of complexity to Switzerland's campaign. Sunderland midfielder Xhaka, aged 34, was excluded from the squad last week following reports that he had admitted to using a fake vaccination certificate during the Covid pandemic, a matter now under investigation by Swiss prosecutors. Embolo's situation unfolded more dramatically, with the Atlanta United forward—who joined the Major League Soccer club from Rennes in August—announcing a personal matter that entered the public domain on the eve of the Skopje encounter. The 29-year-old had already faced suspension for the opening fixture due to a red card received against Argentina, and the Swiss Football Association confirmed he would not be joining the squad in Glasgow, ensuring neither player will feature in upcoming matches against Slovenia on 3 October or North Macedonia three days later.
Despite these disruptions, Switzerland's performance in Skopje proved that gaps can be filled without catastrophic consequence. Remo Freuler, the 34-year-old Olympiacos recruit, marked his first international goal in nearly two years just 22 minutes into proceedings, capitalizing on a low finish from 15 yards after Zeki Amdouni's setup. Burnley midfielder Amdouni then authored a personal double of his own—one before half-time and another late in the second half—to complete a devastating attacking display. The dominant Swiss registered 22 goal attempts overall, with 13 finding the target, while their hosts managed merely two off-target shots. Yakin's tactical approach, centered on aggressive pressing that had proven so effective during the World Cup campaign, suffocated North Macedonia throughout, particularly in a first half where Switzerland enjoyed a staggering 17-1 shot count advantage.
Fresh talent injected significant impetus into the Swiss performance, with Zachary Athekame, the 21-year-old right-back on loan to Lyon from AC Milan, providing both assists in an impressive maiden appearance. Parma's Sascha Britschgi and Sion striker Winsley Boteli also earned senior debuts from the bench, while Milan's Ardon Jashari orchestrated midfield operations in Xhaka's stead. Yakin, reflecting on the accomplished showing, expressed satisfaction with his squad's adaptability: the coach highlighted the strength of Switzerland's pressing system and emphasized that the team has consistently avoided complaint when circumstances demand reliance on alternative options. With Scotland awaiting at Hampden, Switzerland carry momentum built on the shoulders of emerging talent and established performers alike, proof that even major absences need not derail ambitions in Nations League competition.