Position: Midfielder
Born: 22.02.77
Club: Young Boys

Hakan Yakin was originally left out of Switzerland's 23-man squad, to the surprise of most observers.

But an injury to Johan Vonlanthen has given Yakin his chance, although he will not be confirmed as the replacement until FIFA's injury deadline of June 12, the day before the Swiss play their first game.

The Turkish-born playmaker operates just behind the strikers and can create goals from nothing but also scores plenty for himself.

Brilliant for FC Basel as they reached the second round of the Champions League in 2002, His performances that year earned him a transfer to PSG who promptly cancelled his four-year contract when they found that he had not been entirely honest about a groin injury.

Stuttgart then signed him and he was in and out of the team for two years before returning to Switzerland with Young Boys in 2005.

Yakin is a dangerous player for Switzerland, and adept at playing behind the front two in their favoured 4-3-1-2 formation.