Co-hosts Switzerland [Images] lost the opening match of Euro 2008 [Images] by 1-0 to Czech Republic and their captain Alex Frei to serious injury in a double piece of bad luck on Saturday.
Despite having the better of the match, the Swiss fell to an opportunist goal in the 70th minute from substitute Vaclav Sverkos.
Frei, captain and top scorer, went off with a knee injury just before halftime and came back to the bench later on crutches, his tournament possibly over.
They were unlucky not to equalise when Tranquillo Barnetta hit the underside of the bar with a fierce shot and even unluckier when they were not awarded a penalty when a Czech player handled in the area.
Portugal meet Turkey later in the second match in Group A in Geneva.
Complete Coverage: Euro 2008
© Copyright 2008 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.
|
Advertisement
Email this Article 
Print this Article