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Euro 2008 Pre-match Analysis: Switzerland vs Czech Republic Live Online

June 6, 2008

European Championships, Group A
Teams: Switzerland, Czech Republic
Date & Time: Saturday June 7 (1800 CET)
Venue: St. Jakob-Park, Basel
Match Official: Roberto Rosetti (Italy)

The wait is over as we look to the opening game of the 2008 European Championships we take a close look at the Group A fixture between Switzerland and the Czech Republic. Though not the opening game many were anticipating however, the opening gaming could determine the nature of the competition. So while we wait with open hearts to see our favorite teams display their skills and intentions for the tournament we hope to see our team in the final on June 29.

Considered perennial underdogs, the Swiss are playing at home and even for the “underdogs” home support can be their thirteenth man. The Czechs however will be without the services of Inter Milan’s midfield giant Pavel Nedved who has retired and Arsenal’s Tomas Rosicky who is still battling injury.
The Czechs of course reached the final in Euro 96 and the semi-final in Euro 2004 only to be undone by defeat – So we ask “could Euro 2008 be their last chance”? Facing the host in the opening game of a tournament can be a mammoth task and even though the Swiss are underdogs they are coming off an impressive winning streak in their pre-Euro 2008 warm-up matches. Please note that while Liechtenstein and Slovakia are hardly formidable opposition, winning is a habit and if the Swiss team takes this momentum into their opening game the visitors could be in for a surprise.

The Swiss who dropped out of World cup 2006 without conceding a goal even against the mighty French will not be worried about their defensive game but will quite likely be concerned with the attacking aspect of their game.
Valon Behrami may prove a key man in this respect. The outgoing Lazio star has expressed his enthusiasm leading up to the tournament and will relish the attacking freedom he is allowed on the wing for his country, having been played as a full-back at club level.

Gelson Fernandes may also have a fair amount of responsibility to create opportunities and having had a disappointing season at Manchester City in recent months, there is a chance he may be found wanting. The key to their attacks will be using the flanks to full effect. Barnetta, Vonlanthen, Behrami, Degen, Lichtsteiner and Magnin are all able to go down the flanks as full-backs and wingers, and if they use wide areas to break and try to hit the Czechs where they are vulnerable, they may well grab the opening game’s victory the entire country is hoping for.

A look at the teams
Despite having played 4-4-2 in their two recent victories, against tougher opposition the Swiss are likely to revert to 4-5-1, with Alexander Frei as the lone striker and fellow stricker Streller sidelined for the attacking midfielder Hakan Yakin. Tranquillo Barnetta has overcome an ankle injury and will be fit to start, although Johan Vonlanthen’s impressive performances during his lay-off may make competition for the left-midfield fairly stiff. Veteran defender Patrick Müller has looked solid in the warm-up games despite recently suffering a ligament injury and should prevent Johan Djourou from lining up with Arsenal team-mate Philippe Senderos in defence.

Probable XI (4-4-1-1): Benaglio - Lichtsteiner, Müller, Senderos, Magnin - Behrami, Inler, Fernandes, Barnetta - Yakin - Frei.

Czech Republic

It is quite likely that the Czechs will not want to risk too much and will therefore start with a similar system to their hosts. Milan Baros will most likely drop to the bench and come on only if they are pressing for a result, with Sionko having earned his place following a brace against Scotland and Plašil also likely to start. Full-back Zdněk Pospěch has the flu and will be sitting out the game, with Juventus’ Zdeněk Grygera is possibly his replacement, though Ujfalusi could play at right-back allowing Radoslav Kovac to partner David Rozehnal in defence. With the possibilities continuing, Matejovsky’s place may also be taken by a more creative player such as Jarolim.

Probable XI (4-5-1): Cech - Grygera, Ujfalusi, Rozehnal, Jankulovski - Sionko, Matejovsky, Galasek, Polak, Plašil - Koller.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Switzerland - Gökhan Inler

The 23-year-old will play a key role protecting the defence in a game where Switzerland, despite being the home nation, will be under some pressure for periods of the game. He has enjoyed a fantastic debut season with Udinese and is likely to reproduce that form for his national team in this summer’s tournament. For the Czechs, it will be a matter of working around Inler in order to ensure they can break through what is sure to be a tight defense.

Czech Republic - Jan Koller

The big man is likely to be up front on his own and surrounded by a sea of red shirts for long periods throughout the evening. He will have his work cut out, having to knock down several high balls and attempt to put his aerial superiority to good use when attempting to fashion chances on goal. He has just recently announced he will be retiring from international football after the tournament, and he will no doubt be keen to improve on what is already an incredible goal-scoring tally for his country.

PREDICTIONS

Home support has been known to work wonders in the past and there is nothing to suggest the same may not happen tomorrow evening. However, the Czechs have been emphatic in disposing of all inferior opposition while Switzerland have only managed results against the weakest of their opposition. A home win would be quite an achievement - and one that definitely cannot be ruled out - but the Czechs should have enough at their disposal to make it a less than memorable opening day for the home support.

Switzerland 1-2 Czech Republic

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