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Image: Keystone
The bomb exploded on Tuesday: Xherdan Shaqiri tested positive for Corona and is in isolation. However, the international test match against Croatia should take place on Wednesday. Is that really necessary?
In addition to Vladimir Petkovic and Fabian Schär, on the eve of the friendly match against Croatia (8:45 pm), the Nati team doctor, Dr. Martin Maleck was present. And he is thrust into the leading role after the impact of the crown on Xherdan Shaqiri. “It would be nice if he didn’t have to be there,” said Maleck, who, to the astonishment of observers at the press conference, had to adjust his mask several times. But that’s just a side detail.
Shaqiri is fine, shows no symptoms, and is isolated. But what next? Maleck: “The next steps will be clarified with the local health authorities and UEFA. All other players tested negative. We can continue as planned and tomorrow’s game will take place. “From a medical point of view, Maleck does not express any concern, as UEFA’s” return to play protocol “has been strictly adhered to, requirement terms omitted of mask and social distancing Canceling the game does not seem to be an option for the SFV, only politics would stop the project.
The national team is planning an additional crown test, but …
However, the Swiss national team does not take the case lightly. When asked how often it should be tested, Dr. Maleck: “According to specifications, testing will be done on Friday and next Monday. For security reasons, we have decided to do an additional test tomorrow. ”
That is exemplary, but the Croats should not be calm. Because Maleck also says: “You have to assume 24 hours until the result is available.” Then the result of the test game is already certain. But maybe everyone is a loser in the end. That is, if the game should bring more contagion.
In any case, the expectation for the friendship game is clouded. Although the anticipation was limited anyway, at the end of the day it’s just a pointless test game. The fact that Petkovic says: “There are no less important games in the national team does not change that.” Then, in the next sentence to explain that he will make six changes, some already at halftime. In a really important game, the match plan would be different.
In short: the match against Croatia is not absolutely necessary. Remo Freuler, for example, would hardly be bothered by a rejection, as he complained even before Shaqiri’s positive crown test about scheduling a test match in a season when the schedule couldn’t be fuller.
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