Carried by a breath of fresh air, Switzerland is having fun in the United States

It's a good way to end the season. The Swiss team had a blast on Tuesday in Nashville. A clear victory over the United States was almost too easy, with the score already tied at 0-4 at halftime. But above all, the national team saw the emergence of talents: Johan Manzambi, who scored a goal and an assist, and Ardon Jashari (two assists).

Except for the few Swiss supporters who had travelled from Tennessee and were able to watch this match under "normal" conditions, it was therefore worth staying up late on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday.

Because Switzerland performed like never before in recent months, especially in the first half. They were undoubtedly helped by an American team that was overhauled and quickly overwhelmed. But the performance of Murat Yakin's players was up to the task.

Above all, the coach had the good idea of ​​giving chances to players who wanted them. In this case, Jashari and Manzambi. For the first time, the Belgian league's best player was partnered with Granit Xhaka in a double pivot in front of the defense.

It must be said that both assisted each other well, each contributing to the build-up. And it was Jashari who got Switzerland going, delivering (with some luck) a very nice assist to set up Dan Ndoye. The Vaudois was able to convert Switzerland's first opportunity (13th).

It was then time to let Johan Manzambi shine. Lined up on the right of the 4-3-3, the 19-year-old from Geneva let loose for his second cap (and first start). His striking and dribbling ability in one-on-one situations caused serious damage to the right side of a struggling American defense. Played in by Elvedi in the 23rd minute, he took on and eliminated his opposite number, before crossing back for Michel Aebischer, who scored into the empty net.

Manzambi would then score his first goal thirteen minutes later. Following a high recovery from Jashari, the Fribourg player inherited the ball on the edge of the box and used his left foot to fire past goalkeeper Turner for the 0-4. The latter had already been in trouble three minutes earlier, having released a shot from Rodriguez into Embolo's feet for Switzerland's third goal.

This first half therefore had the feel of a recital. It's hard to imagine the match continuing at the same pace, especially since Mauricio Pochettino, the American coach, also made sure to correct the situation. This allowed the match to slow down somewhat, which also allowed Gregor Kobel to celebrate his first shutout for the national team.

For Yakin, the lessons came first. And the coach must realize that in the Swiss team that will have to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the fall, Jashari and Manzambi are players he will really have to count on. A breath of fresh air.