Following Carlos Gruezo (Ecuador) and Robert Gumny (Poland), who both did not appear in their respective countries’ first games, Ruben Vargas has now begun his World Cup campaign alongside the Switzerland national team. Switzerland won 1-0 in their first group game against Cameroon.

The Switzerland national team coach Murat Yakin started Vargas alongside four other Bundesliga players. The FCA winger worked hard on the left-wing and was responsible for taking corners. Former Dortmund player Manuel Akanji almost converted a Vargas corner shortly before half time (45+2’), otherwise it was Cameroon who created the best chances of the first half. 

In the 48th minute, Switzerland scored a crucial first goal, with Xherdan Shaqiri assisting former Gladbach player Breel Embolo (now at AS Monaco), who scored from close range. After that, there was more space for Switzerland on the counter, which Vargas should have used to double the lead in the 66th minute. Cameroon goalkeeper André Onana made a strong save down to his left. Vargas was replaced with nine minutes to go by Fabian Rieder (Young Boys). 

Monday against Brazil

An absolutely enthralling match-up awaits Vargas and Switzerland in their second group game, with the team playing joint favourites Brazil on Monday (28th November, 17:00 CET). There are also interesting challenges ahead of Gruezo and Ecuador against the Netherlands (Friday, 25th November, 17:00 CET), and for Gumny and Poland, who take on Saudi Arabia, who are themselves coming off a win against Argentina (Saturday, 26th November, 14.00 CET).

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