Manager: Ottmar Hitzfeld

Key player: Tranquillo Barnetta

Best: Quarter-final (1934, 1938, 1954)

World ranking: 18

Switzerland got the point they needed to qualify in their final match against Israel but not without a struggle - Ottmar Hitzfeld's side were hanging on even after their hosts had Avihay Yadin sent off after 59 minutes. The Swiss went on an eight-match unbeaten run after a surprise defeat by Luxembourg to reach the finals.

The Swiss impressed at the last World Cup, where they did not concede a single goal prior to a second-round penalty shoot-out loss against Ukraine, and the experience that will come from co-hosting Euro 2008 should put them in good shape for South Africa. The side lacks any true world superstars but Bayer Leverkusen's Tranquillo Barnetta and Udinese's Gokhan Inler are a capable midfield duo and, if fit, Alexander Frei is a capable goalscorer. However, if they are to progress beyond the group stages Hitzfeld will have to weave his magic and hope all his players are on the top of their game.