Switzerland vs Czech Republic

The much anticipated opener of the UEFA Euro 2008 was finally on the way when hosts Switzerland took on a very injury hit Czech Republic side. The visitors were missing star midfielder Thomas Rosicky. 

Czech were a team that really excited in the Euro 2004, making the semi finals and loosing out to eventual champions Greece by a single goal. Many then rated them as the next big thing in international football but after being drawn in the group of death at the World Cup 4 years ago, they were disappointing and crashed out as early as the group stage. 

Despite toping the qualifying round, Karel Brueckner`s men were hardly impressive except for a 3-0 win over Germany in Munich. Expected by many not to go further than the quaters, Czech Republic wanted to start the tournament on a high with a win. 

Switzerland started off much brighter, dominating the chances in the opening part of the match. Captain Alexander Frei shot from outside the area, just wide of Pter Cech`s post. That was the first of many from the hosts and the big Chelsea man saved another one with his feet from the same man a a little later.

The team captained by defender Tomas Ujfalusi also had their chances, but it was the team in red that was dominating play. Striker Jan Koller headed wide which could be called as the only real chance they had in the first 45.

But the most important part of the first half was the injury to the Frei. The all time highest Swiss scorer injured his knee and was in tears as he left the pitch. He was was back in the dug out late in the second half on crunches and looks to be out for the tournament. 

The swiss fans would be praying their hearts out for their favorite son, but it doesnt look like he will entertain the fans anymore at the European Championships. 

The second half saw Pter Cech be a very busy man, having to pull out 2-3 saves to keep his side in the match. 

But in the 70th minute, completely against the run of play a 30 yard header from Tomas Galasek found second half substitute, Vaclav Sverkos who took a couple of touches before finishing it well to the far conner. 

Coach Karel Brueckner then went all out defense to protect the undeserved lead that his team had.

But you knew it wasent Switzerland`s day when FC Salzburg forward Johan Vonlanthen hit the bar from just a few yards out.

1-0 Czech was the final score, in a match they would conceder lucky to win. With Turkey and Portugal coming up, the hosts face a very uphill task to make it out of the group stage for the first time in a major competition.