Switzerland vs Portugal preview

Posted on | June 15, 2008 | No Comments

Hosts Switzerland take on already qualified Portugal in their final game of Euro 2008. The Swiss are already out of the tournament thanks to losses against the Czech Republic and Turkey, but they will be keen to bow out of the tournament on a high and give their fans something to cheer about.

Switzerland have not played bad football at these Championships, it is the lack of finishing upfront that has cost them dearly. Hakan Yakin missed an absolute sitter against Turkey- one which ultimately proved to be costly. Minus Alexander Frei, who is probably their best striker, the Swiss have failed to pose any real attacking threat. Pascal Zuerbuhler is retiring from international football after this game, and Kuhn could give him a start in goal against Portugal instead of Benaglio. The rest of the team should lineup the way it always has. Eren Derdiyok is an injury doubt, and we may see Daniel Gygax get his first start of the tournament. Behrami, Barnetta, Inler and Fernandes should start in an unchanged midfield.

Portugal have already qualified for the tournament, and should they win this group as they currently are, there is every chance that they will play Germany in the next round. Luis Felipe Scolari is likely to rest several first team regulars- Deco, Simao, Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Moutinho and Ricardo Carvalho all likely to watch from the sidelines. Ricardo Quaresma should get his first start of the tournament. Veloso will replace Moutinho, with Hugo Almeida likely to support Gomes upfront. We should also get to see Manchester United’s Nani in action. Fernando Meira should replace Carvalho in defence. Bosingwa is on a yellow card.

Switzerland have never won a game at a European Championship before. This is also Kobi Kuhn’s last game in charge of the national side- Ottomar Hitzfeld takes over after this tournament. Can the Swiss do it for their coach ? They’ll definitely want to, but whether they can finish off their moves is the big question. Portugal to win 2-1, with goals from Gomes, Quaresma and Yakin.

Related posts:

1. Portugal vs Turkey preview
2. Portugal vs Czech Republic preview
3. Germany vs Portugal preview
4. Poland vs Portugal
5. Portugal vs Norway preview- Euro 2012 qualifier

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