Switzerland are not expected to win the World Cup, perhaps Oklahoma City Thunder T-Shirts not even considered as an outside bet, but how is succe s measured for the Swi s? Three quarter final appearances have been their best effort thus far, with the most recent over half a century ago. The draw wasnt kind, landing the Swi s with European champions and red-hot favourites Spain, along with the much talked about Chileans and the fairly unknown quantity, Honduras. Progre sion would see a last 16 meeting with a strong nation surviving the group of death, so getting past the second round would be an astonishing achievement, with the more realistic goal of qualification from a tricky group.Ottmar Hitzfeld, known as the general is the man in charge of Switzerland, one of Europes most succe sful and respected coaches having led both Boru sia Dortmund and Bayern Munich to Champions League glory, as well as collecting seven Bundesliga titles along the way. He will have his work cut out to try and get the best out of a squad lacking in star players and without much experience on the big stage. A timid and nave showing in Euro 2008 when co-hosting, followed by a solid, if unspectacular route through qualifying for the World Cup leave expectations low for the alpine nation.Diego Benaglio Goalkeeper Age 26 WolfsburgAfter watching on as third choice keeper at the 2006 World Cup, Benaglio has since made big strides and is now the undisputed Swi s no.1. He is a reliable shot-stopper and played a key Oklahoma City Thunder Hats role in helping his club, Wolfsburg capture the Bundesliga title in 2008-09. The likelihood is that Switzerland will play an organised and uncomplicated style following on from their strong defensive showing in Germany 2006. The remarkable record of not conceding a single goal during the last World Cup will place more pre sure on the talented Benaglio, as the Swi s are rarely an overly attacking force; their ability to keep it tight at the back is paramount. The rising star is one of the most underrated goalkeepers in Europe and will be a vital component if Switzerland is to do well.Tranquillo Barnetta Andre Roberson Jersey Midfielder Age 25 Bayer LeverkusenArguably Switzerlands top a set heading to the World Cup, the dynamic, left-sided midfielder will be expected to have a strong presence in the finals. He made an impact for the national side at a young age whilst playing for Switzerland in their under 17 European Championship winning side of 2002. He was also nominated for Best Young Player at the 2006 World Cup where he scored against Togo. Barnetta po se ses great pace and athleticism, works extremely hard for the team and his inventivene s and ability to deliver decisive cro ses will prove to be Switzerlands main threat. He is an integral part of Hitzfelds team and is most certainly the player to look out for when the Swi s begin their campaign against Spain on June 16th.Alexander Frei Striker Age 30 FC BaselSwitzerlands all-time leading goalscorer with 40 goals in 73 appearances and his nations captain, Frei is the Swi s talisman and a dependable source for goals. The experienced striker has had an established career playing in the European leagues and his instinctive qualities in front of goal will be vital to Switzerlands chances. Despite lacking considerable height or pace, his positioning and finishing ability make him a danger man against any team. After the disappointment of mi sing the majority of Ricky Rubio Jersey Euro 2008 due to injury, Frei will be determined to make his mark on the world stage by leading his country to a succe sful World Cup campaign. Frei netted five times during qualifying and will look to continue this form in South Africa.There are two additional players I would also like to highlight. Firstly, striker Blaise Nkufo, a 35 year old veteran who will be relatively unknown to many, plying his trade for FC Twente for the last six seasons, winning the Eredivisie title this year. He played in all ten qualifying games, forming a Al Horford Jersey strong partnership with Alexander Frei, matching the captains five goal haul. This is likely to be his first and last World Cup, but he is not likely to pa s by unnoticed. Secondly, it would be difficult to avoid mentioning the Swi s football hero, Hakan Yakin. He is unlikely to play a starting role this summer, but has been used effectively as a sub recently, in order to change a game with his creative flair and keen eye for goal.