Estonia celebrate Swiss success
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
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Switzerland 0-1 Estonia
Pierluigi Tami's first match as coach of Switzerland ended with a surprise home loss to qualfying Group 2 rivals Estonia.
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Pierluigi Tami's first match as coach of Switzerland ended with a surprise home defeat by Estonia, giving the visitors the perfect start to life in 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 2.
Saag strike
Despite their technical superiority, the Swiss experienced difficulties straight from the off and failed to find the key to unlocking Estonia's well-marshalled defence. Instead, it was Kaimar Saag who made the only breakthrough of the match, burying the ball with 31 minutes gone to take Frank Bernhardt's charges into second place, three points adrift of Turkey.
Rare openings
Appointed to replace Pierre-André Schürmann, Tami was looking to begin his reign in the best possible circumstances, yet his side were unable to create any chances in the first period and paid the price when Saag pounced on a mistake at the back with just over half an hour gone. They were only marginally better after the interval too, Adrian Nikci and Valentin Stocker spurning rare openings as Estonia kept them at bay. The victors next welcome Georgia on 5 September, while the Swiss must attempt a return to winning ways in Armenia the day before.