Key men: Alexander Frei (up) and Johan Djourou could have big roles to play for Switzerland

The Coach: Ottmar Hitzfeld (German, 60). Appointed: July 2008. WC experience: Player: None. Coach: None.

Der General is in international management for the first time, having rejected the chance to coach his native Germany in between two spells at Bayern Munich.

The Country: Switzerland have reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup on three occasions, most recently in 1954. Since then they have reached the finals only five times.

The Swiss got the point they needed to qualify in their final match against Israel but not without a struggle - 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.

Hitzfeld said: "The goal was to qualify and we made it - the goal is achieved. Compliments to the whole team and to each and every player. It's another success for me and a dream being fulfilled, it's a present that Switzerland has given me."

Hitzfeld will hope that Arsenal’s Philippe Senderos gets more first-team action ahead of the finals but another Emirates player, Johan Djourou, could be struggling with a knee injury that required an operation with the player ruled out for six months.

The chances of survival will hinge on the form and fitness of captain Alexander Frei, formerly with Borussia Dortmund and now at Basle, while Blaise Nkufo needs to continue scoring goals.

Telegraph verdict: With a coach such as Hitzfeld, the Swiss cannot be discounted to be a dangerous opponent. However they made heavy weather of qualifying despite their eight-match unbeaten run. Will struggle to progress.