Switzerland have drawn 1:1 against Argentina in a friendly at St Jakob's
stadium in Basel, their first convincing result since the 2006 World Cup.
Marco Streller equalised for Switzerland in the 64th minute after Carlos
Tevez gave Argentina, currently third on the Fifa world rankings, the
lead in the 50th minute.
"It is the correct result," said Swiss manager Kobi Kuhn. "We
held our own against an absolutely world:class team, and that is a compliment
to my team. We felt today that [Euro 2008] had come closer. I think we've
now got over the depression after the World Cup."
The Swiss certainly needed a decent result. At the end of March the national
team rounded off their training camp in Florida with a disappointing 3:1
defeat to Colombia.
It was the fourth defeat in five friendly games as the Swiss tried to
find form for the Euro 2008 championships, which they are co:hosting with
neighbour Austria.
The media started asking questions, not least about the 63:year:old Kuhn,
but Sunday's papers in Switzerland were generally satisfied with the Argentine
result, talking about a "new beginning", a "new direction"
and a "re:discovered confidence" ahead of Euro 2008.
For his part Alfio Basile, the Argentine manager, said after the match
that the torrential rain had complicated things and his side hadn't been
able to develop their usual game, but he had encouraging words for the
Swiss.
"Messi [Argentina's star player] had to deal with players of a very
impressive calibre," he said. "With their very precise plan
the Swiss impressed me."
Argentine pressure
The match in front of 29,000 spectators, including Uefa president Michel
Platini, started under a heavy downpour, which made it difficult for either
side to create clear scoring chances. But the rain let up and the pitch
improved markedly as the game progressed.
Messi, the 19:year:old wunderkind who has been hailed as the "New
Maradona" by many, not least Maradona himself, had the best first:half
chance for either side when he looped in a free kick to the back post
in the 28th minute. Swiss goalkeeper Diego Benaglio was left stranded,
but Gabriel Milito's header hit the post.
Tevez had a penalty appeal turned down as he tried to get past Swiss right
back Philipp Degen. Replays suggested Tevez made the most of minimal contact.
But Argentina should have had a penalty in the 32nd minute when Magnin
handled the ball in the box to prevent Roberto Ayala from heading.
Switzerland, who were without top striker Alex Frei, threatened down the
left through Magnin and Tranquillo Barnetta, but were unable to create
any attack on the right.
Goal!
Kuhn brought on Daniel Gygax to start the second half and provide more
attack, but Argentina were the first to strike.
Messi crossed a ball from the left into the centre of the box and Tevez,
who plays in the English Premiership for West Ham, dived in front of Magnin
to head the ball into the lower:right corner. Benaglio had no chance.
Argentina missed a good chance to score a second only two minutes later.
Esteban Cambiasso pounced on a loose ball after some untidy defending,
but saw his point:blank shot saved by Benaglio.
But then Streller, who plays for Stuttgart in the German Bundesliga, in
one of Switzerland's few dangerous attacks scored from 12 metres after
four Argentine defenders allowed the ball to go loose in the box.
Switzerland's next match is a friendly against the Netherlands on August
22 in Geneva.
