On June 23, ahead of Switzerland's final group-stage match against Canada, national team player Akanji spoke to the media.
Akanji remained measured when discussing Switzerland's World Cup prospects.
"It's too early to talk about how far we can go. I think we've made a good start. We hoped to beat Qatar, and although we didn't, our overall performance was very strong. Had we been more clinical, we could have scored six or seven goals. Against Bosnia and Herzegovina, we responded well, stayed patient, and won 4-1. Now, like Canada, we're looking forward to the next match with confidence. As for talk of reaching the semi-finals, that's premature. We must focus on performing well tomorrow, and then we'll see what comes next."
On Canada's style of play, Akanji said: "Their high press and counter-pressing are very aggressive, with a direct tempo. They don't look to waste time. This presents both advantages and disadvantages for us. If we break their high press, there is space behind them; conversely, if we make a mistake, they can punish us quickly. It will be a very difficult match. We need to be at our best to have a chance of winning."
Asked why Switzerland have reached the knockout stages in three consecutive World Cups, Akanji stated: "Our biggest strength has always been team football. We don't have three top-10 superstars like some nations, so we must rely on collective effort. I've felt this since joining the national team in 2017. Football is a team Sport; we constantly work to improve our weaknesses and build on our strengths. I hope we can maintain this stability at this World Cup, but there's still a long way to go."
On limiting Canada's key player Alphonso Davies if he features, Akanji said: "It is difficult to mark an extremely quick player like Davies one-on-one. Whether he plays as a full-back or a winger, we must contain him through collective defending. If he is at full-back, he is further from goal; if he is a winger, the situation changes. Either way, we must restrict him as a team, as we always do."
Regarding Canada's potential man-marking high-press tactics, Akanji indicated that the team has prepared specifically for this approach.
"Our preparation is indeed different from the first two matches. We have made adjustments based on video analysis and training content. Canada's defensive approach is more aggressive—they press high with intensity, unlike our previous opponents, who mostly sat deep. So this will be a completely different match for us defensively."
If they use man-marking, space will open up behind them, and our midfielders may be able to exploit those areas to push forward. Of course, we do not yet know what tactics Canada will employ, so many details will only become clear once the match begins. Tactical adjustments could even take place during water breaks.
On Canadian forward Jonathan David, Akanji said: "I haven't watched Canada's full matches, but I have seen the highlights. He is a very strong forward who runs hard, competes well in the air, and likes to attack the space behind the defense, creating physical battles in the final third. We are in equally good physical condition, so it should be an exciting contest."
Reflecting on the heavy defeat to Portugal in the World Cup knockout stage four years ago, Akanji said: "We won't deliberately avoid strong teams. If our ambitions are high enough, we'll have to face strong opponents eventually. But discussing potential knockout opponents now is pointless. First, we must win tomorrow, then the matches after that. We just need to focus on ourselves, try to win, and worry about the rest later."
Finally, on how much has changed since his first World Cup eight years ago, Akanji remarked: "The biggest change is experience. Facing Brazil for the first time at a World Cup was an incredible feeling. I still get nervous before every match, but compared to then, I've now played in countless high-level games. I've played for top clubs and in many matches for the national team. Now I want to pass my experience on to my teammates and lead the team through my performances."
Asked whether the team would be satisfied with a draw, Akanji answered without hesitation: "Absolutely not. That's not possible."
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