Switzerland

More than just that?

Portugal lost 2 - 0 to Switzerland in a game that did not have much importance for them. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari had the luxury of resting big players since his team had already qualified for the quaterfinals. Ronaldo’s exclusion from the entire squad as well as the inclusion of Nani, Quaresma and H. Postigha as starters were part of the 8 changes he made to the squad. The weaken Portuguese team were unable to find the net in the whole of the game and could not keep a clean sheet either. Their defeat came twenty minutes from time when Swiss striker Yakin scored twice to give his side their first and only win of the tournament. Well done for the co-host who at least won their game of pride, but for Portugal doesn’t their defeat mean more than just that?

Portugal’s 2 - 0 loss could find its explanation through the fact that the coach played a weaken side but one might also think that Scolari’s appointment as Chelsea’s new manager has something to do with that.

So then, if this thought were to be true, is Luis Felipe saying goodbye too soon to Portugal in terms of commitment and devotion?

(read full article…)

(read full article…)

The Euro 2008 started off with a beautifuly. A lovely opening ceremony. A Switzerland loss to the Czech Republic and Portugal win over Turkey. These results were expected, however it can be argued that Switzerland deserved a better result with their display over the 90 minutes.

Portugal started their Euro 2008 campaign with a convincing win. With so much hype about Ronaldo’s club transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid, many reporters believed this hype would unsettle the Portugal squad, but they showed strong determination in continually attacking the Turks and providing a strong performance by all their players and goals by unlikely players - Pepe and Raul Meireles. I expected this game to be much more agressive with many yellow cards, but to my surprise, Portugal left the game with none. I think this speaks to the discipline Felipe Scolari has instilled in the revitalized Portuguese squad.

Visit the following link for the news stories of the day:

Portugal Looking Red Hot

Petr Cech defies unlucky Swiss

Kleper Pepe gets Portugal off to the perfect Euro 2008 start against Turkey

Pepe opens the way for slick Portugal

Portugal 2-0 Turkey: Meireles seals victory

Switzerland 0-1 Czech Republic: Hosts possess endeavour but no cutting edge

Euro Diary - Day One: Heartbreak for Swiss; Relief for Portuguese

Czech steal victory in Group A opener

Substitute Vaclav Sverkos gave the Czech Republic a winning start to Euro 2008 with a second-half strike that broke Switzerland’s resistance.

The Czechs have broken the stalemate, sub-Sverkos scores his maiden goal with a shot which went through the keeper.