Kuranyi confirms German success

Switzerland 0-2 Germany
Germany extended their long unbeaten run against Switzerland to 16 games as two Kevin Kuranyi goals secured victory against their fellow UEFA EURO 2004™  finalists in a high-tempo and competitive match.

Morale boost
Germany were beaten 5-1 by Romania in Bucharest in April, but got back on track with a confidence-lifting 7-0 victory against Malta in Freiburg last Thursday. Rudi Völler's side had not lost to the Swiss since 1956 and went into the match seeking to fine-tune their final preparations for Portugal.

Easy goals
Two simple goals by tall VfB Stuttgart striker Kuranyi, the first gifted to him after 61 minutes following a mistake by Swiss defender Bernt Haas, separated the teams at Basel 1893's Saint Jakob Park.

Century of caps
Switzerland's veteran striker Stéphane Chapuisat was making his 100th appearance for his country, and coach Jakob Kuhn and his team-mates were hoping to mark the occasion with a memorable result.

Volleyed first
It was not to be however, as Kuranyi struck his first after a misdirected header by Haas flew across his own goal to Miroslav Klose. The 1. FC Kaiserslautern forward crossed low, giving Kuranyi an easy volley past Swiss goalkeeper Jörg Stiel from ten metres for his third international goal.

Simple header
Kuranyi scored his and Germany's second – and confirmed victory for Völler's team – with six minutes remaining. It was another simple finish for the 22-year-old striker, who headed in a cross from Arne Friedrich from close range.

Memories stirred
Germany have one friendly left – a repeat of the 1954 FIFA World Cup final against Hungary in Kaiserslautern on 6 June – before they travel to Portugal, where the Netherlands, Latvia and the Czech Republic form the opposition in Group D.

Swiss schedule
Switzerland, meanwhile, play Liechtenstein – also on 6 June – in Zurich. Holders France, England and Croatia have been drawn alongside Kuhn's team in Group B.