Swiss will plot an upset or two

Drawn into a group with Ireland, Russia, Georgia and Albania, the Swiss certainly did not start the qualifiers as favourites, but a 2-1 victory in Dublin against Ireland in their third qualifier saw the Swiss take over the leadership in the group and they never looked back.

A heavy 4-1 defeat in Russia in their penultimate game threw the Irish a lifeline and meant the Swiss had to win their final game against Ireland to be guaranteed first place in the group. Kobi Kuhn8217;s team made no mistake, winning 2-0 to ensure Switzerland8217;s second-ever participation at the Euro finals. The first time they joined the strongest European countries was in 1996, when they qualified for the finals in England after topping a group that included Turkey, Sweden and Hungary. At the finals, they finished bottom of their group after losing to Scotland and Netherlands and holding the hosts to a draw. Kuhn was the first Swiss national to coach the side in 12 years. After qualifying for Portugal, he was given a two-year extension on his contract that will see him in charge for the 2006 World Cup qualifiers. It seems unlikely that the Swiss will challenge for the title in Portugal as they must first get out of a group containing France, England and Croatia, but they have a side that is capable of springing a few surprises.