Switzerland vs. Czech Republic @ Basel ( Sat 7th June )[R]

[DM8512]

Switzerland played very well. I thought the first Ujfalusi handball should have been called.

I wasn't too impressed with Czech Republic.

[Borussia]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=232256&cc=5739
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=543841&cc=5739


Bad tournament start for the hosts, now it's gonna be very tough to reach the next round (especially with Frei's injury).

Congrats to the former BMG darling (the fans still love him) Vaclav Sverkos on scoring the winner!

[RibbyBollywood]

Switzerland played very well. I thought the first Ujfalusi handball should have been called.

I wasn't too impressed with Czech Republic.

Unconvincing, it was a bit like some of England's victories in the group stage of the World Cup notably their game against Paraguay, their opener won by an own goal, but an own goal off of David Beckham's boot. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4852606.stm

But rooting for the Czechs, I still want everything to be just and there was good reason to award the Swiss a penalty, but if some say, the ref couldn't see it, it is somewhat understandable.

But what? The Czechs defeated us, the US, in the first game generally convincingly, something like 3-1: but they really went downhill after that to Ghana.

So, I'd still mark them with about a 60-65% chance of advancing in an unscholarly analysis.

Still, 3 points and next is Portugal for the Czechs, Turkey will be aiming at them good in the last game especially if they overcome their old rivals Switzerland.

[Redondo85]

Decent game, i still think Switzerland can get something out of this group they just have to be a little more ruthless in front of goal.

On a side note i'm pleased to see Martin O'Neill and Gordon Strachan back as pundits for the BBC, their wry humour is a godsend to the drivel Hansen and Shearer spout.

[MicFW]

Switzerland played very well. I thought the first Ujfalusi handball should have been called.

I wasn't too impressed with Czech Republic.

Just what I thought as well. I feel very sorry for Switzerland. :(

[everythingfootball]

It should of been a draw 1-1.

[Martininho]

I rarely see a player going for a header with his arm down at his midsection

Certainly not if he values his teeth.

and from within 2 m he couldn't even react fast enough if he wanted to touch the ball.

Agreed on this point, and a prior one regarding the body contact and player's reaction as involuntary. While the second had the arm in, it's also pretty clear (albeit from slow motion replay, so possibly not as obvious to the officials), that the defender not only didn't try to avoid the ball, but leaned into the contact to make sure the ball dropped downward. Again, its the intent to use the hand/arm that matters, and IMHO (aided, of course, by slow-mo replay) that the second deserved the penalty and was missed.

Final word on this. Both decisions have legitimate arguments. My beef is with Smythe's arrogance at taking a position and then fundamentally lacking the integrity to admit that he's wrong. Second case in point was the Portugal/Turkey match where he never acknowledged that Ronaldo's free kick effort was actually a great save, not a near miss, even though multiple replays (CONCURRENT WITH HIS REMARKS), clearly showed the fingertip save.

Gotta stop hiring these people from the Ministry of Truth.

Switzerland was the better team, but it's not that new that they have some lack of offense, especially without Frei.

And, now that he's officially out (condolences to him and the Swiss fans), it seems highly unlikely that Switzerland has anyone capable of breaking down a defense. The Czech team looked awful for most of the match, and Koller in particular looked lost and inept when he touched the ball. While Turkey couldn't hold off Portugal, they still look the best of the remaining three.