Switzerland's [ Images ] players will have at least one world-beater cheering them on as they begin their World Cup campaign against France [ Images ] on Tuesday with tennis player Roger Federer [ Images ] hoping to be at the match.

World number one Federer, who plays Spain's Rafael Nadal [ Images ] in Sunday's French Open [ Images ] final, is planning to fly from next week's Halle tournament to the Stuttgart game, said Swiss officials.

"It will be great if he does come because he can definitely be a role model for our team," Switzerland goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbuehler said on Saturday.

"When you look at his calmness on the court and his style, I think it's something that us footballers can all learn from."

Zuberbuehler plays for Federer's home city team, FC Basel, and was part of a team delegation to welcome the tennis player home after his third successive Wimbledon [ Images ] triumph in 2005.

"Roger's a pretty good footballer, so hopefully he can pull on his boots and join us for a training session," Zuberbuehler added.

Switzerland, who are competing in their first World Cup since 1994, face Togo and South Korea in their last two Group G matches.