SWITZERLAND COACH:
Jakob Kuhn

Jakob "Kobi" Kuhn has coached Switzerland since June, 2001, the first Swiss coach of the country's national side in a dozen years. Born on April 15, 1948, Kuhn made 63 international appearances for Switzerland while playing most of his club ball with F.C. Zurich. He took over the reins of the Swiss Under-21 team after he retired. Guiding the Swiss into Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup, Kuhn is considered a big hero in his home country.

His best skill is communication and the courage to shake things up as well, when needed. "He has been of crucial importance, not only in helping us qualify for the World Cup but also in building up Swiss football in recent years," forward Alexander Frei told FIFA Magazine. "After his success with the U-21 National Team, he has now taken the senior side to Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup. Having been a great player, Kuhn is now a great coach, too. He has never shied away from making difficult decisions regarding players. His secret is the extraordinary way he manages people."