Into the last round of group matches, which would all be played simultaneously. Hosts Switzerland took on Portugal in a game that was dead rubber. The home side was already out having lost both their games to Turkey and Czech Republic while Luiz Felipe Scolari`s team were confirmed as group winners after defeating the same opponents in their opening matches.
Luiz Felipe Scolari, who was announced as Chelsea`s new manager earlier this week, rested all his stars and only goalkeeper Ricardo and full back Paulo Ferriera retained their place in the side.
It was his side who were denied a penalty in the opening minutes of the match. Nani was brought down in the box by Stephan Lichtsteiner but the refree did not blow. Though it looked like a controversial decision, as the defender got the player and none of the ball.
That was followed by another good opportunity this time the woodwork saving the home team. Nani took a low free kick and Pepe kicked it but it rebounded off the post. So near yet so far for the Real Madrid defender.
Inler then in the 23rd minute took a wonderful shot on the left hand side for well out but was well saved by one hand of the ever reliable Ricardo.
The Real Betis keeper was called upon again a little after the half hour mark as Eren Derdiyok header from a conner required a two hand save to prevent his side from going down.
Defense turned into attack as Meira slips a great ball through and Postiga put it at the back of the net. But the goal was rulded offside. Replays showed that the striker was actually on side and it was another controversial decision. The refree was certainly taking more lime light than required.
Luis Nani could have scored the opener but was unlucky once more. A miscleared ball found the Manchester United winger on the left side who ran into a one on one situation but hit the post after sending the keeper the wrong way. The old lady was certainly not singing for Portugal tonight.
Ricardo Quaresma, who has claimed that he has agreed to join a "big club" after the euro had a shot from distance wonderfully saved by Pascal Zuberbuhler.
Gokhan Inler did well to get rid of Miguel and pass the ball in but was put out for a conner by Pepe before it could be shot in from very close range.
Just like Luiz Felipe Scolari, even Köbi Kuhn will leave this side after the Euro hence this being his last match incharge. And he was given a wonderful farewell present in the 71st minute. Hatim Yakim recieved a Erin Derdiyok's flic very well and kept his cool to finish calmy between the feet of Ricardo. 1-0 Switzerland.
Just 10 minutes later the co-hosts had a penalty. Fernando Meria tripped second half substitute Barnetta inside the area. The Turkish born who was scored both the swiss goals in tournament got his third when he shot hard into the top left conner giving the keeper no chance.
So Switzerland go out with some pride winning a match in front of their home crowd. A good way to say goodbye for Köbi Kuhn who probably dint except anything more than this from the Euros. As for Portugal, they will face either Germany or Poland in the next round, depending on the results tomorrow.
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