WORLD CUP USA ’94 / THE FIRST ROUND : TODAY’S GAMES AT A GLANCE : GROUP A at Silverdome, Pontiac, Mich.
Romania vs. Switzerland
* TIME: 1 p.m.
* TV: ESPN, Univision
* KEY MATCHUPS: It might be a ploy, but Swiss Coach Roy Hodgson insists he will not tinker with the game plan that resulted in a lackluster 1-1 tie against the United States. This, despite protestations at home, where Hodgson was ripped in the press for deploying only one striker, the talented Stephane Chapuisat, in the opener. Hodgson went to the formation because of an ankle injury to forward Adrian Knup, who did not play.
The one-forward theory, the experts vented, put too much pressure on Thomas Bickel at midfield. Sonntagsblick, the mass-circulation newspaper, called Hodgson’s decision a “fatal mistake.”
Even Chapuisat says he does not like to play alone in the attack.
Romania, which smothers the midfield, stunned Colombia, 3-1, and is out to show that was no fluke. The Swiss defense will have to contain Romania’s 1-2 punch of Gheorghe Hagi and Florin Raducioiu. Hagi, the brilliant playmaker, scored against Colombia and set up the other goals, both scored by Raducioiu.
* OUTLOOK: A pivotal game for teams that have not tasted much World Cup success. Knup has practiced for two days and appears ready to play, which might convince Hodgson to change tactics. With a victory, Romania can assure itself a return trip to the second round. A victory would put Switzerland back on track, but the team can ill afford a loss or a tie, knowing it still must face Colombia in group play.
* OUTCOME: The Swiss are more desperate for a victory, but it appears that coach and players are not on the same page, which is never a good sign. Emotionally, Romania could be flat in the wake of its upset of Colombia but it should have enough firepower to squeeze out a hard-fought, 2-1 victory.
