Switzerland's path to the World Cup quarterfinals: A 'very Swiss' story

The Swiss national soccer team stands on the brink of its biggest game in generations, facing Argentina in the World Cup quarterfinals. This achievement, reaching a stage not seen since 1954, is framed as a "very Swiss story," one that delves into the nation's functioning and identity.

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Football is a memory machine, that's what it lives on, where it draws its strength from, not even the Infantino-led FIFA has been able to take that away from it (so far).

The journey to this point was fraught with critical moments, including a Colombian defender's shot hitting the crossbar in extra time during their previous match, and a penalty kick later landing on the line rather than crossing it. These instances vividly illustrate the concept of football being a game of "fine margins," where outcomes can pivot dramatically.

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And whatever happens in Kansas City: It will be about memories, about images that remain, for children from Bühler and Porrentruy and Mendrisio.

However, the article stresses that Switzerland's presence in the quarterfinals is no accident. It is presented as the culmination of years of dedicated effort and strategic development. The narrative emphasizes that the team's success is deeply intertwined with the nation's character and how it operates, suggesting a methodical and persistent approach to achieving its goals.

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It was moments that brought the sentence that football is a game of 'fine margins' to life.

Furthermore, the piece highlights the indispensable contribution of players with migrant backgrounds to the team's success. It suggests that without their involvement, the team's trajectory would have been significantly different. Captain Granit Xhaka, despite the jubilant atmosphere after their previous victory, took a moment for himself, embodying a sense of focused determination that seems characteristic of the team's overall journey.

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Switzerland has done a lot to be where it is now, over many years.