Euro 2008 Opening Match

After 4 years, the European Championship is back again. This time, the tourament is co-hosted by Switzerland and Austria.

In the opening match, the Swiss took on the Czech Republic. It was a match the Swiss would like to start well. Both side started cautiously. It was the Swiss who created more chances. However, superb goalkeeping by Cech denied the Swiss. It was 0-0 at half time but the Swiss lost their top striker Frei after he damaged his knee ligament. Frei was in tears after he was hobbled out and is ruled out of the tourament.

The Swiss started the second half was well as the 1st. However, Czech got in front after Koller's substitue Sverkos scored in the 70th minute after the Swiss defence failed to clear the ball.

The Swiss nearly salvaged a draw in the 80 minute when Johan Vonlanthen crashed his shot onto the post. The agony on Johan's face was enough to tell the story.

In a later match, pre- tournament hot favourite disposed Turkey 2-0 after goals from Pepe and Meireles inspired the Portuguese to a winning start to the tournament.