Sunday, June 8, 2008

Switzerland 0 Czech Republic 1

Verdict: Switzerland will feel aggrieved, having had the best chances, but were denied by good goalkeeping and the crossbar. The Czechs were difficult to break down but created very little before substitute Sverkos popped up to nick the winner.

Entertainment value: Started at a quick pace but once the Czech midfield got on top of things the match became much tighter. Plenty of chances, though, and in the end it was perfectly watchable.

Heroes: Gokhan Inler showed himself to be a useful midfield anchor and was Switzerland's best player, but the class act was Petr Cech, who made two excellent saves and dealt well with most of what was thrown at him.

Villains: Swiss striker Marco Streller looked about as dangerous as a kitten that had been given sedative drugs. The plan to get the ball to his feet clearly didn't take into account that he isn't actually able to use his feet to control the ball.

Looking ahead: The Czechs take on Portugal next knowing that two more draws would be enough to qualify. Switzerland, meanwhile, have to beat Turkey, but now that Alex Frei is out for the tournament their task is harder than having a conversation about space-time with Stephen Hawking without his speech computer.

L.

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