Switzerland v Croatia - PREVIEW
Croats and Swiss in the shadow
Croatia and Switzerland will be standing up for the small fry on Sunday when they meet in Leiria in their opening Group B match.
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| Croatia's goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa reacts in front of Tungay Sanu (R) of Turkey during their friendly football match in Zagreb, 31 March, 2004. AFP PHOTO HRVOJE POLAN |
Given the eagerly awaited encounter between holders France and England the same day in Lisbon both the Swiss and the Croats will find themselves in the shadow of their more illustrious footballing cousins.
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| Croatian football fans arrive today 12 June 2004, at Lisbon Airport, in time for the start of Euro 2004 Football Tournamnent. England will play France in their first match 13 June 2004 in Lisbon. AFP PHOTO Paul BARKER |
But both will also know that decisive results in both games would put the winner of their own clash at the Magalhaes Pessoa stadium in a strong position to advance to the last eight.
The Croats came third at the 1998 World Cup but have struggled to live up to the reputation of that side and their coach, former Austria helmsman Otto Baric, dragged the side to the finals via the playoffs.
"We respect our opponents, however, as they have played alongside each other for some time and are a cohesive group," said Baric.
Second-choice shot-stopper Tomislav Butina replaces injured Stipe Pletikosa but Baric insisted: "Butina is an excellent goalkeeper. I have every confidence in his ability.
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| Swiss coach Jakob Kuhn speaks to reporters prior to a training session at Praia del Rey 08 June 2004 in preparation for the European 2004 Nations championship. Switzerland play their first match of the Euro 2004 against Croatia 13 June 2004. AFP PHOTO JOHN MACDOUGALL |
"I am feeling pretty relaxed about things. I think we have done our homework."
witzerland also have an injury worry and coach Jakob Kuhn is keeping his fingers crossed that midfield anchorman Johann Vogel can recover in time from a thigh injury.
Another Swiss problem is their country's mix of languages - something which could create a headache when swift instructions are barked in crowded penalty areas.
"It's a difficult thing to get used to and we do end up with the French-speaking players and the German-speaking players not mixing.
"It certainly doesn't help our chances."
Swiss coach Kobi Kuhn noted: "We are the outsiders - but that must spur us on".
Teams
Switzerland: Stiel (capt) - Haas, M. Yakin, Muller, Spycher - Wicky, Vogel, Huggel - H. Yakin - Frei, Chapuisat
Coach: Jakob Kuhn
Croatia: Butina - Simic, R. Kovac, Simunic, Zivkovic (capt) - Mornar, N. Kovac, Bjelica, Olic - Prso, Sokota
Coach: Otto Baric
Referee: Mr. Batista (POR)