Swiss face strong challenge

By Marco Keller

Perhaps it was not the perfect build-up to an international, but after postponements, rearrangements and last-ditch talks, Switzerland will definitely meet a competitive Morocco side in Casablanca on Wednesday.

Match on
Morocco had asked to field their second string in the match, having played in Saturday's African Cup of Nations final where they lost to Tunisia. At one stage it seemed as if Jakob Kuhn's team would face local club Raja Casablanca instead, but Switzerland insisted on meeting a lineup containing at least the majority of the Morocco side that claimed a continental silver medal, and finally received their wish.

Team reunited
Kuhn himself is focused on the game and beginning his preparations for UEFA EURO 2004™ following Switzerland's impressive qualification. His squad were last assembled when they beat the Republic of Ireland to win their place in Portugal, and Kuhn revealed that familiarisation with one other was the priority for his team at the moment.

Search for rhythm
"We met on Sunday for the first time since 12 October," the coach said. "I want to get an overall view of the players, and they will also have a medical check. As for the game itself, I hope that we find our rhythm quickly again."

Defenders out
Switzerland are without injured defenders Murat Yakin, Remo Meyer and Ludovic Magnin, but Kuhn is expected to stay loyal to the players who earned qualification, although that does not mean there are no squad positions available. Kuhn said: "I can only advise everyone to play well in the coming weeks for their clubs. An excellent player, who can help us, is always very welcome."

Berner determined
Defender Bruno Berner said that Portugal was already on the players' minds, especially with a tough Group B awaiting, involving Croatia, England and holders France. "Everyone wants to be part of the EURO team," said Berner. "So all of us want to show Kuhn our value."

Small squad
Still, while other national teams will be using these friendlies to experiment, the only likely change Kuhn will make to the team that beat Ireland is the return to the starting lineup of Stéphane Henchoz, due to Murat Yakin's absence. Kuhn admitted that a lack of strength-in-depth compared with the bigger nations could prove Switzerland's achilles heel. "I hope there will not be any major injury trouble," he said. "We cannot afford to have to replace half the team."