Swiss footballers “re-born” ahead of Euro 2008

Keystone

Switzerland have drawn 1-1 against Argentina in a friendly at St Jakob's stadium in Basel, their first convincing result since the 2006 World Cup.

Marco Streller equalised for Switzerland in the 64th minute after Carlos Tevez gave Argentina, currently third on the Fifa world rankings, the lead in the 50th minute.

“It is the correct result,” said Swiss manager Köbi Kuhn. “We held our own against an absolutely world-class team, and that is a compliment to my team. We felt today that [Euro 2008] had come closer. I think we’ve now got over the depression after the World Cup.”

The Swiss certainly needed a decent result. At the end of March the national team rounded off their training camp in Florida with a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Colombia.

It was the fourth defeat in five friendly games as the Swiss tried to find form for the Euro 2008 championships, which they are co-hosting with neighbour Austria.

The media started asking questions, not least about the 63-year-old Kuhn, but Sunday’s papers in Switzerland were generally satisfied with the Argentine result, talking about a “new beginning”, a “new direction” and a “re-discovered confidence” ahead of Euro 2008.

For his part Alfio Basile, the Argentine manager, said after the match that the torrential rain had complicated things and his side hadn’t been able to develop their usual game, but he had encouraging words for the Swiss.

“Messi [Argentina’s star player] had to deal with players of a very impressive calibre,” he said. “With their very precise plan the Swiss impressed me.”

Argentine pressure

The match in front of 29,000 spectators, including Uefa president Michel Platini, started under a heavy downpour, which made it difficult for either side to create clear scoring chances. But the rain let up and the pitch improved markedly as the game progressed.

Messi, the 19-year-old wunderkind who has been hailed as the “New Maradona” by many, not least Maradona himself, had the best first-half chance for either side when he looped in a free kick to the back post in the 28th minute. Swiss goalkeeper Diego Benaglio was left stranded, but Gabriel Milito’s header hit the post.

Tevez had a penalty appeal turned down as he tried to get past Swiss right back Philipp Degen. Replays suggested Tevez made the most of minimal contact.

But Argentina should have had a penalty in the 32nd minute when Magnin handled the ball in the box to prevent Roberto Ayala from heading.

Switzerland, who were without top striker Alex Frei, threatened down the left through Magnin and Tranquillo Barnetta, but were unable to create any attack on the right.

Goal!

Kuhn brought on Daniel Gygax to start the second half and provide more attack, but Argentina were the first to strike.

Messi crossed a ball from the left into the centre of the box and Tevez, who plays in the English Premiership for West Ham, dived in front of Magnin to head the ball into the lower-right corner. Benaglio had no chance.

Argentina missed a good chance to score a second only two minutes later. Esteban Cambiasso pounced on a loose ball after some untidy defending, but saw his point-blank shot saved by Benaglio.

But then Streller, who plays for Stuttgart in the German Bundesliga, in one of Switzerland’s few dangerous attacks scored from 12 metres after four Argentine defenders allowed the ball to go loose in the box.

Switzerland’s next match is a friendly against the Netherlands on August 22 in Geneva.

swissinfo, Thomas Stephens with agencies

In brief

Switzerland have lost four out nine friendly matches in the wake of the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

They lost to Brazil (1-2), Germany (1-3), Austria (1-2) and Colombia (1-3).

They beat Jamaica (2-0), Liechtenstein (3-0), Costa Rica (2-0) and Venezuela (1-0).

They drew against Argentina (1-1).

Switzerland have automatically qualified for the 2008 European Championships as they co-host the event with neighbouring Austria.

The next national team match is against the Netherlands on August 22 in Geneva.

Later, Switzerland take part in a four-nation tournament, with games against Chile (September 7), Japan (September 11) and Austria (October 13 in Zurich).

Key facts

Switzerland: Diego Benaglio, Phillip Degen (Johan Djourou, 89), Philippe Senderos, Patrick Mueller, Ludovic Magnin, Johan Vonlanthen (Benjamin Huggel, 46), Gokhan Inler (Ricardo Cabanas, 83), Raphael Wicky (Daniel Gygax, 46), Tranquillo Barnetta (Christoph Spycher, 86), Xavier Margairaz (Hakan Yakin, 72), Marco Streller.

Argentina: Roberto Abbondanzieri, Javier Zanetti, Roberto Ayala, Gabriel Milito, Gabriel Heinze, Luis Gonzalez (Javier Mascherano, 67), Fernando Gago, Esteban Cambiasso, Lionel Messi (Javier Saviola, 89), Carlos Tevez (Pablo Aimar, 80), Hernan Crespo (Diego Milito, 67).