Switzerland-Turkey ( Elvetia - Turcia)
The two losers from the first matchday go head-to-head for what is surely a last-chance game for both sides. It's Switzerland versus Turkey and it's sure to be a pressure-filled occasion...
Wounded
Losing out to the Czechs was crushing enough for the Swiss, but just as bad was the first half injury to talismanic captain Alexander Frei. Not only did the number 9 miss the rest of the game, but he's out for the whole tournament.The party atmosphere among the confederation, then, has already fallen flat, although it won't fully end until all hopes of qualification are extinguished.For all intents and purposes, though, this could be as early as Wednesday night. Anything less than a point against the Turks will see the Swiss fall at the first hurdle: hard to take for a side that excelled defensively at the World Cup of 2006.
Disappointed
Turkey, meanwhile, were largely overrun by a Portuguese side that overcame much of their qualifying nerves to put on a decent, but not world-class showing.That was still more than the Crescent-Stars managed. Turkey, who had themselves only snuck into the tournament in second place, lacked the touch of class required to pick up all three points in their first game, or even come close to doing so.Still, they can draw comfort from the fact that, with a large fanbase in Switzerland, they won't be put off by the 'away' nature of this match. This is realistically their best chance to get all three points, and they will surely go for it.Nonetheless, much has to change on the pitch - not least the sense of confidence and the ability for the likes of Nihat to test the 'keeper
Switzerland
Frei is out for the tournament after picking up an injury in the opener. Everyone else is fit and ready for the Swiss, who may retain their 4-4-2 look as they go looking for three vital points. Yakin could support streller in an 'old-but-gold' forward line.
Probable Starting XI: Benaglio; Magnin, Müller, Senderos, Lichtsteiner; Barnetta, Behrami, Fernandes, Inler; Streller, Yakin.
Turkey
Gokhan Zan is out and Servet Cetin is doubtful, meaning that it could be an all-new central defence that lines up. Nihat will likely get the nod up front again.
Probable Starting XI: Volkan; Gonul, Asik, Kas/Cetin, Boral; Emre, Aurelio, Altintop, Turan; Nihat, Erding.
Under 2.5
posted by Midnight Sun @ 21:08,
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