- Nati coach Murat Yakin said an emotional goodbye to his wife Anja at Zurich Airport.
- Their children weren’t there – they were at school.
- If Switzerland reaches the semi-finals, the daughters could still travel: the last day of school is July 11th.
Touching scenes at Zurich Airport. As the players gather at the Radisson Blue Hotel before check-in, Murat Yakin gets ready to give his last interview on Swiss soil.
Shortly before the media round, Anja Yakin appears in the lobby and gives her husband another big hug. Emotionally moved, the national team coach quickly leads his wife down the escalator.
On the way to the parking garage, she wishes him all the best for the trip and gives him a sweet kiss for the World Cup. “It’s especially special to be away from the family for a long time,” says Yakin shortly before he gets on the plane.
The children are not there at this moment, but at school. This also prevents the two daughters from following their dad to the USA during the tournament.
Strong memories of the 2024 European Championship in Germany
With one exception: If Switzerland survives the quarter-finals, the World Cup dream could also come true for the Yakin children. The last day of school is July 11th – that would be enough for the semi-finals, which take place just a few days later. “That would of course be perfect,” says Yakin.
Remembering the 2024 European Championship, he makes it clear: “We will do everything we can to play the best World Cup with Switzerland. In Germany, the girls and their mother Anja attended all Swiss games with the fans in the stadium. “I was extremely happy about that,” said Yakin in the last interview with 20 Minutes.
Children discuss the setup
It was the greatest success for Yakin and Switzerland at the time: the historic 2-0 win against Italy in Berlin and later the narrow defeat in the quarter-finals against England.
Despite all the euphoria, his children are critical observers of his work, as Yakin revealed at the last World Cup group draw. “There are discussions at home and the line-up is debriefed. Of course they have players they favor and want to see on the pitch.”
World Cup dress rehearsal against Australia in San Diego
On the 4-1 win in the friendly against Jordan The World Cup dress rehearsal against Australia will follow next Saturday in San Diego at the Snapdragon Stadium in St. Gallen. Kick-off is at 12 p.m. local time (9 p.m. Swiss time). The only showdown so far with Australia on September 3, 2010 in St. Gallen ended goalless.
Switzerland will play its first World Cup game on June 13th at 12 p.m. local time in San Francisco. For Switzerland, this once again means a friendly time of 9 p.m. Swiss time. 20 minutes is on site and ticking live.
Take part in the 20-minute betting game for the World Cup and join your community’s betting group straight away. Whether you’re a professional footballer or a gut-feeling bettor: everyone can take part and win great prizes.
Sebastian Rieder (Sri), has been working as deputy head of sports for 20 minutes since 2024. The generalist always focuses on the best Swiss footballers and accompanies the national team as a reporter and video journalist.
