Germans suffer Podolski blow

By Tim Dykes in Mainz

Germany coach Uli Stielike has been dealt a major blow with the news that prolific forward Lukas Podolski will miss his country's opening UEFA European Under-21 Championship encounter against Switzerland today.

'Bad news'
The 18-year-old 1. FC Köln striker, who scored seven goals in the final eight Bundesliga games of the season, pulled up in training with a groin strain ahead of the Group B encounter at the Bruchwegstadion. "This is bad news for us," said Stielike, aware that senior coach Rudi Völler had earmarked Podolski for the vacant slot in Germany's 23-man UEFA EURO 2004™ squad. "But Lukas will remain in the squad and may return to the team for the second or third group match."

Recent friendly
Before Podoslki's injury, the home supporters would have expected a victory, especially with Germany's 1-0 friendly success against the Swiss in February. But Stielike was quick to dismiss any claims of complacency in the German camp, adding: "We played them in Bielefeld and it was close - but that does not count for anything. We'll have to wait and see how the players react under pressure."

Swiss quality
Stielike, who began his coaching career at the helm of the senior Swiss team, added: "I know the Switzerland team and their quality speaks for itself - just look at some of the clubs the players are representing: PSV Eindhoven, Juventus [FC], Arsenal [FC], the list goes on. The Bundesliga season has only just finished too and some of my players are a bit tired and sore, but they are ready."

Bundesliga regulars
Bernard Challandes boasts a fully-fit squad but is well aware of the German players' top-flight pedigree. "Over the last year in Germany things have changed a little bit," the Swiss coach said. "These days, the U21 players regularly play in the Bundesliga, which has improved the quality of their team."

Coaching ban
Challandes will watch the game from the stands having received a two-match touchline ban for comments made to the match officials during Switzerland's play-off victory against the Czech Republic, but he has faith in his deputies. "I've been working with 'Bigi' [assistant coach André Meier] and Martin Brunner for three years and we share a common philosophy," he explained. "I like to live the matches with the players so it's a little frustrating. But the business is on the pitch with the players."