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The Euro 2008 will mark the third appearance by Switzerland at the tournament.
The team is in Group A alongside the Czech Republic, Portugal and Turkey.
“Success would be to reach the quarter-finals. Of course it won't be easy, but that has to be our goal,“ says coach Jakob Kuhn.
Team profile:
The Swiss seem to be at their best with a 4-2-3-1 formation and have a low-scoring reputation.
Defence oriented, they did not concede a goal in regulation time during the World Cup in Germany in 2006 and lost to Ukraine on penalties in the Round of 16.
Coach Jakob Kuhn will have to choose between 2006 World Cup keeper Pascal Zuberbuhler, Eldin Jakupovic and Diego Benaglio at the back, while the left and right-back positions seem to be reserved for Ludovic Magnin and Philipp Degen. Philippe Senderos is certain for one of the central defender positions while Johannes Djourou is most serious candidate for the other.
For the central midfield, Kuhn can choose between Gokhan Inler, Gelson Fernandes, Ricardo Cabanas and Benjamin Huggel, with Tranquillo Barnetta and Johan Vonlanthen on the left and right.
For the attacking midfield role Kuhn has Hakan Yakin, while Alexander Frei seems the most favored option for the attack.
Coach profile:
Swiss coach Jakob Kuhn took up the position in the summer of 2001 after the departure of Argentine coach Enzo Trossero. He led Switzerland to the Euro 2004 in Portugal and the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. During his career as a player with FC Zurich, Kuhn has won six league titles and five Swiss cups. He has also had 63 caps for Switzerland as a player.
Team record:
The Swiss have won no major trophies so far and their best record on the international scene is reaching the World Cup quarter finals on three occasions, in 1934, 1938 and 1954.
During their last major tournament appearance, at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, they topped their group and reached the Round of 16, only to be eliminated by Ukraine.
In their third appearance at the European Championships, they will try to go past the Round of 16, something they have never done before.
At the Euro 2004, Switzerland was defeated by England and France and drew 0-0 with Croatia to finish last in their group.
Sources: UEFA, FIFA, Euro 2008, Swiss Soccer Federation
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