Being top seeds a huge motivation for Switzerland, says Hitzfeld Being top seeds a huge motivation for Switzerland, says Hitzfeld

Being top seeds a huge motivation for Switzerland, says Hitzfeld

Dec 5, 2013 11:23:00 PM

The German coach admits his side should not be considered one of the world's best teams but feels they face a big advantage heading into Friday's draw

By Martin Seldes

Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld says his side are hugely motivated ahead of the World Cup thanks to their placing among the top seeds.

Hitzfeld's charges find themselves in pot one ahead of Friday's draw for the group stages in Brazil having climbed into the top eight in the Fifa ranking in the autumn, meaning they are set for a move favourable draw than they have enjoyed in previous tournaments.

While he admits his team should not not be considered one of the finest ahead of the finals next summer, Hitzfeld feels it is a crucial advantage going into the draw.

"Teams like us are not necessarily one of the best eight teams in the world. We were in the right place at the right time," he told reporters in Brazil.

"It's a huge motivation for us to be top seeded in a World Cup and a good advantage for us."

Switzerland are joined by Spain, Uruguay, Argentina, Germany, Colombia, Belgium and hosts Brazil among the top seeds ahead of the draw on Friday, which begins at 18:00CET. -------------- goal.com