Euro 2008 - Day 9: Last Day Victory Brings Joy to Swiss Fans and Coach
June 16th 2008 16:55
Facing Potugal's B squad, Switzerland was able to procure a nice win to their retiring coach despite the fact that they were already eliminated. In a game which had no meaning for Portugal, it was obvious to see how important Deco is to that squad. Indeed, with his star playmaker on the bench, Luis Felipe Scolari deployed a 4-3-2-1 instead of his usual 4-2-3-1. With two attacking midfielders playing wide – Nani and Quaresma – Portugal couldn't seem to connect in the center of the field like they usually do when Deco is there. Most of their attacks were long balls to the wingers who used their speed to get into the box. Set-pieces were also used to test Pascal Zuberbuhler to no avail.
The first half ended on a scoreless note as Portugal's Helder Postiga was denied a goal due to an offside position. The game didn't seem to have any rhythm at all since referee Konrad Plautz whistled on almost every tackle. The second half was more of the same with numerous fouls on either side. Nani had the best effort on goal at the 53th minute but his low-shot hit the post. At the 61st minute, Jakob Kuhn replaced Johan Vonlanthen by Tranquillo Barnetta in an effort to bring some constructive plays to the game. The spark was immediate as Switzerland started to attack more with Barnetta participating in every offensive rush. The first goal finally came at the 71st minute via Swiss striker Hakan Yakin who put the ball through Ricardo's legs after receiving a pass from Eren Derdiyok to the fans' delight. Portugal responded by sending Hugo Almeida in place of Postiga at the 75th minute but it's Switzerland who scored again at the 83rd minute on a penalty-kick. Barnetta was at the origin of that play as he was the one taken down in the box by defender Fernando Meira. Fan favorite had no trouble beating Ricardo for the second time and the Swiss victory was, thus, assured.
Hakan Yakin received a standing ovation when has replaced at the 86th minute. The man who replaced Alexander Frei after the first game has performed extremely well in the two games he started, scoring three goals. It's too bad that the Swiss had been eliminated in the second game as they were playing better and better. Last night's win was not only a fitting goodbye for their coach but also a nice message to their fans to keep hope for the future.
My man of the match: Hakan Yakin. He scored both goals and was extremely dangerous ever since the second game.
The first half ended on a scoreless note as Portugal's Helder Postiga was denied a goal due to an offside position. The game didn't seem to have any rhythm at all since referee Konrad Plautz whistled on almost every tackle. The second half was more of the same with numerous fouls on either side. Nani had the best effort on goal at the 53th minute but his low-shot hit the post. At the 61st minute, Jakob Kuhn replaced Johan Vonlanthen by Tranquillo Barnetta in an effort to bring some constructive plays to the game. The spark was immediate as Switzerland started to attack more with Barnetta participating in every offensive rush. The first goal finally came at the 71st minute via Swiss striker Hakan Yakin who put the ball through Ricardo's legs after receiving a pass from Eren Derdiyok to the fans' delight. Portugal responded by sending Hugo Almeida in place of Postiga at the 75th minute but it's Switzerland who scored again at the 83rd minute on a penalty-kick. Barnetta was at the origin of that play as he was the one taken down in the box by defender Fernando Meira. Fan favorite had no trouble beating Ricardo for the second time and the Swiss victory was, thus, assured.
Hakan Yakin received a standing ovation when has replaced at the 86th minute. The man who replaced Alexander Frei after the first game has performed extremely well in the two games he started, scoring three goals. It's too bad that the Swiss had been eliminated in the second game as they were playing better and better. Last night's win was not only a fitting goodbye for their coach but also a nice message to their fans to keep hope for the future.
My man of the match: Hakan Yakin. He scored both goals and was extremely dangerous ever since the second game.
| 43 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
Subscribe to this blog
