</line> <line count="2" minutes="Have your say:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ All throughout Euro 2008 you will be able to interact with our live commentaries and let us know your opinion on proceedings in Austria and Switzerland. Let me have your thoughts on today's match by clicking on my name; <a href="mailto:peter.fraser@bskyb.com">Pete Fraser</a>, dropping me a line at peter.fraser@bskyb.com, or via the feedback button in the live Score Centre. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="3" minutes="The teams are in:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Fret not Tim Collins the teams have just been announced. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="4" minutes="Switzerland team:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Benaglio, Lichtsteiner, Muller, Senderos, Magnin, Behrami, Inler, Gelson, Barnetta, Frei, Streller. Subs: Zuberbuhler, Jakupovic, Djourou, Huggel, Cabanas, Yakin, Derdiyok, Grichting, Gygax, Spycher, Vonlanthen, Degen. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="5" minutes="Czech Republic team:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Cech, Jankulovski, Rozehnal, Ujfalusi, Grygera, Plasil, Polak, Galasek, Jarolim, Sionko, Koller. Subs: Blazek, Zitka, Kovac, Fenin, Sverkos, Vlcek, Pospech, Kadlec, Baros, Matejovsky, Sivok, Skacel. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="6" minutes="Team news:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Switzerland have included midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta and defender Patrick Mueller in the starting line-up as coach Koebi Kuhn's decides the duo are fit to play. There are no surprises in the Czech Republic squad selected by Karel Bruckner. The Czech coach has opted for a 4-5-1 formation with Jan Koller as the lone striker. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="7" minutes="Kick-off approaches:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ The atmosphere is really building and the predictions are flooding in. Mariee Pryor and Andy Makin are backing Koller to star as the Czechs cruise to victory. Does anyone fancey the Swiss to surprise us? You will also be able to submit your player ratings at the end of the match through our Player Rating section. We will see if Koller lives up to expectations. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="8" minutes="Easy on the eye:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ The obligatory eye pleasing opening ceremony is going strong involving a princess, milkmaids and a giant inflatable downhill skier. What more could we ask for? Kick-off perhaps? Don't forget to get in touch throughout the match; <a href="mailto:peter.fraser@bskyb.com">Peter Fraser</a>. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="9" minutes="Controversial:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ As the teams take to the field and the national anthems ring out, Adam Langston feels Mariee Pryor and Andy Makin have got it all wrong. Adam claims Koller is past it and that Barnetta and Behrami will see Switzerland start in style. Keep the opinions coming. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="10" minutes="KICK-OFF:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Euro 2008 is under way as Czech Rep take kick-off. Let's hope for an entertaining encounter that will keep Mark Downs, who is on an oil rig in Oman, on the edge of his seat. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="11" minutes="1 - On the front foot:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ The Czechs look focused. They have made a quick and direct start and are looking for Koller. Great atmosphere in Basel. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="12" minutes="3 - Spoke to soon:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Switzerland steal possession on half-way and record goal scorer Alexander Frei drills one, Mark D would be proud, just wide. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="13" minutes="4 - Keep ball:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Czech Rep cannot get a touch as Switzerland play keep ball. However, the co-hosts have only managed to go backwards. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="14" minutes="6 - Chance:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Switzerland have a free-kick wide on the right. Ludovic Magnin's delivery is poor, but his side have won a corner. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="15" minutes="7 - Weathering the storm:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Czech Republic clear and break. Lively start and now the visitors have a corner. Switzerland clear and Marek Jankulovski is fortunate to avoid a booking as he clatters Valon Behrami. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="16" minutes="10 - Across the pond:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Campbell Fritschner is following the action in America as he bids to avoid cartoons on local TV. Keep logged on Cambell there is enough animation here to keep you busy. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="17" minutes="12 - Bright Behrami:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ The Swiss David Beckham has made a lively start and is breaking well down the right. The volume rises in Basel whenever he gets a touch. Looks like one to watch. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="18" minutes="13 - Good save:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Diego Benaglio tips away a deflected cross to deny Jaroslav Plasil a headed chance. Safe hands. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="19" minutes="15 - Worth a go:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Behrami has a pop from the edge of the box. But Petr Cech is behind it all the way. The Chelsea goalkeeper has voiced concerns about the new light balls ahead of the tournament, but he had no problems there. Behrami is the star of the show so far. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="20" minutes="The Windy City" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Whitley from Chicago has given me a shout to keep me posted on all American election matters. Thanks for the update Whitley, but we won't be dabbling in politics here as Gokhan Inler tests Cech. Switzerland are on top. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="21" minutes="20 - Should have scored:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ David Rozehnal, who did not have the best season for Newcastle allows the ball to bounce and Frei is through, but Cech is off his line to block. I think an opener is coming. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="22" minutes="22 - Koller watch:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ For those of you who backed the lofty striker to shine, he is in Philippe Senderos' back pocket. Say no more. Don't forget to drop yours truly a line; <a href="mailto:peter.fraser@bskyb.com">Peter Fraser</a> and keep working on your Player Ratings. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="23" minutes="25 - No edge:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Czech Republic are having a bit of joy down the left of the Swiss defence, but they lack a cutting edge. Former Rangers player Libor Sionko looks confident after his recent brace sunk Scotland. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="24" minutes="27 - Midfielder domination:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Alan Fairbairn feels the Czech's need to 'pull their fingers out', but the five-man Swiss midfield is running the show at the minute. Manchester City man Fernandes Gelson looks impressive. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="25" minutes="29 - Settle down:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Things are a little tighter now. Switzerland are struggling to find their front two of Marco Streller and Frei and that frustration shows as Fernandes leaves his mark on Jan Polak. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="26" minutes="32 - Ticking off" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Euro 2008 has a first lecture as Gelson is warned for repetitive foul play by Italian referee Roberto Rosetti. Both sides are struggling for possession at the moment. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="27" minutes="35 - No flies:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Switzerland have not missed a trick and are stifling Swiss star Barnetta. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="28" minutes="36 - Offside:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Frei has a dig from 30 yards and Cech's fear are confirmed as the ball swerves and he can only punch clear. However, Barnetta is offside as he follows up. Best chance so far. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="29" minutes="38 - Lips are sealed:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Barnetta escaped his shackles before he was adjudged offside and back in an office in Chicago, Mark Evans is also avoiding watchful eyes as he dodges his bosses to follow our coverage. Stay with us Mark. Your secret is safe here. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="30" minutes="41 - Free-kick:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Referee Rosetti is getting a little picky and it is damaging the rhythm as the Swiss are awarded a foul and a stretcher is on for Frei. He looks okay and is walking off. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="31" minutes="44 - Take it back:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ My medical knowledge is not what it should be, Frei looks in trouble and Switzerland are concerned. Their captain is in tears as he heads for the tunnel, with his knee strapped and in tears. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="32" minutes="45 - HALF-TIME:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ The first 45 minutes come to a close. The story of the half is the injury to Frei. He will not be back for the second half. Switzerland have had the better chances, but Czech Republic look far more composed on the ball. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="33" minutes="45 - WE'RE BACK:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ The second half is underway. Hakan Yakin has come on for Frei. Fingers crossed we can have a few more chances on goal. Don't forget you can get in touch by clicking on my name; <a href="mailto:peter.fraser@bskyb.com">Peter Fraser</a> or you can reach me at peter.fraser@bskyb.com. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="34" minutes="47 - Bit quiet:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ All a bit flat at the start. The Swiss crowd are mourning the loss of Frei and more will be requested from Streller in this half. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="35" minutes="49 - Danger:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Yakin is brought down on the edge of the box. Dangerous for the Czechs this is Yakin territory. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="36" minutes="50 - Just over:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Yakin steps up and just can't quite get the ball to dip, but Cech had it covered if it was on target. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="37" minutes="52 - Take your time:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Fernandes breaks down the right and is found by Yakin, but the former had failed to time his run and steamed offside. You would expect more at this level. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="38" minutes="53 - Chance:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Czech Republic have the opportunity to deliver into the box, but Jankulovski's free-kick delivery is poor. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="39" minutes="55 - Composed:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ There is a distinct increase in cunning in the Swiss attack post-interval. I fancy the co-hosts to sneak this. You heard it here first. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="40" minutes="56 - Substitution:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ The Czech's obviously heard me as the disappointing Koller makes way for Vaclav Sverkos. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="41" minutes="57 - Temper, temper:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Streller gives away a foul and receives a word from referee Rosetti. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="42" minutes="59 - Booking:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Acting captain Magnin sees yellow after clattering the lively Sionko. He deserved it for his persistently heavy-handed play. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="43" minutes="61 - Corner:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Yakan has made a difference to the Swiss as he acts as cheerleader to the crowd, but Czech Rep clear his set piece. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="44" minutes="Get in touch:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Don't forget to let me have your thoughts; <a href="mailto:peter.fraser@bskyb.com">Peter Fraser</a>. Will Hakan Yakin score highly in your Player Ratings? ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="45" minutes="63 - Czech chance:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Jankulovski has another chance with a 25-yard free-kick. It is an improvement this time, but is still comfortably over the bar as far as the Swiss are concerned. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="46" minutes="65 - What a miss:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Yakin has a free header at goal, but it would be fair to say that the use of his bonce is not his strong point as he nods wide. Bad miss. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="47" minutes="67 - Frei fear:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Just caught a glimpse of Frei on the bench with crutches. It looks like his tournament is over. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="48" minutes="70 - Goal!!!" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Czech Republic have scored the first goal of Euro 2008 as Sverkos nets. Switzerland half clear a corner and substitute Sverkos breaks the offside trap to net his first international goal. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="49" minutes="74 - Response:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ What do Switzerland have in reply? Not a lot by the looks of it. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="50" minutes="75 - Substitution:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Kuhn has realised his team are struggling and brings on Johan Vonlanthen for Stephan Lichtsteiner. The substitute is immediately booked for shirt pulling. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="51" minutes="78 - High praise:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Thanks for the support Chris Gerrard. Any relation to an England player who will be having a very quiet summer? ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="52" minutes="80 - Rattled woodwork" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Was that Switzerland's chance? Cech saves well from Barnetta, but the goalkeeper can only palm and Vonlanthen should have done better as he some how hits the cross bar. That should have been a tap in. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="53" minutes="82 - Taking a chance:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Czech Republic have shut up shop and are backing their defence here. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="54" minutes="83 - Substitution:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ The Czechs bring on Stanislav Vlcek for Sionko and Switzerland replace Behrami with Eren Derdiyok. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="55" minutes="85 - Tight finish" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ This is going to be tense as Ian Byrne thinks I was a little harsh on Vonlanthen. Czech Republic bring on Radoslav Kovac. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="56" minutes="89 - Well over:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Looks like Switzerland's last hope as Derdiyok heads over. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="57" minutes="90 - Added time:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ There will be three minutes added time. ]]></text> <title/> </line> <line count="58" minutes="90 + 4 - ALL OVER:" team="0" colour=""> <text><![CDATA[ Czech Republic open Euro 2008 with three points as they defeat co-hosts Switzerland 1-0 at St Jakob-Park. The co-hosts could now be facing an uphill task to qualify. Stay with us for all the post-match reaction. ]]></text> <title/> </line> </root>