Preview: Switzerland – Turkey

Both Euro 2008 co-hosts Switzerland and Wednesday’s opponents Turkey face a tough task after losing their opening matches on the tournament’s first day.

The Swiss were downed 1-0 by the Czech Republic and, possibly worse, lost star player Alexander Frei due to a serious injury.

It seems likely that Frei will be replaced by Hakan Yakin, who spearheaded the Swiss attack after Frei suffered the unfortunate injury.

Tranquillo Barnetta is still confident though and hopes for the best: “We’re not thinking it might already be over for us, We aren’t afraid.”

Turkey will have to consider serious changes ahead of the disappointing 2-0 defeat by Portugal. Striker Servet Cetin and Gokhan Zan seem to be the most likely candidates to make way for reserve forwards Emre Asik and Emre Gungor.

The Turks did win most of their past encounters with Switzerland, but the Swiss kept Turkey out of the most recent World Cup beating them on aggregate in the qualifying play-offs.

Played at 20:45 local time in Basel, Switzerland, the match will be led by referee Lubos Michel of Slovakia, linesmen Roman Slysko and Martin Balko and fourth official Damir Skomina.