HOP SUISSE!!!

When Roger Federer won his sixth Wimbledon title last summer, the response on the streets of Nyon was one solitary firework. Today, Switzerland beat Spain - the pre-tournament favourites - 1-0 and it's like they've won the World Cup itself.



As I've mentioned before, the Swiss like to fly a flag. But in this very international part of the world, the balconies and cars of Switzerland are often adorned with the Swiss flag alongside those of other countries in the tournament. But when the final whistle blew in Durban, Swiss flags were immediately strapped to cars and paraded triumphantly around the streets to the accompaniment of claxons, vuvuzelas (yes, they have even reached here and not yet been banned by the noise police) and horns. As I write this, it's a full hour after the end of the match, and if anything, the celebrations are increasing.

By comparison to the coverage back home, Switzerland has ushered in the World Cup with less commercialism, less fanfare and considerably less expectation of the national team's chances of lifting the trophy. Let's face it, the Swiss are underdogs, and I doubt many - in Switzerland or anywhere else - would have expected them to get out of their group before the tournament. But with a win over Spain, and Honduras looking like potential Group H whipping boys, it's just possible that Switzerland might exceed all expectations.

Assuming the Swiss don't suffer the same success fatigue they have obviously done with Federer, IF - by some Greek-Euro'04-type good fortunte - they should go on and win it, I think the traditional Swiss reserve might just be locked in the closet for a short while ...so long as it doesn't affect the trains running on time. But, that's not going to happen. Is it...?