Winners of Group A, Portugal, lost their third and final group game 0:2 to tournament co-hosts Switzerland. Foe the rather irrelevant clash, Portuguese trainer decided to rest up many of his first team players, and Werder striker Hugo Almeida Almeida, who was introduced as a substitute in the 74th minute.
Winners of Group A, Portugal, lost their third and final group game 0:2 to tournament co-hosts Switzerland. For the rather irrelevant clash, Portuguese trainer decided to rest up many of his first team players, and Werder striker Hugo Almeida Almeida, who was introduced as a substitute in the 74th minute. Despite all the chances, the south-west Europeans put on a strong performance but the Swiss, who had already been eliminated, were determined to save face and send off departing coach ‘Köbi’ Kuhn in worthy manner.
It was a very open tie throughout the first period with both sides creating chances. Pepe had a free-kick deflected onto the crossbar, which proved probably the best real chance of the half, whilst Helder Postiga was somewhat unfortunate to see his goal cancelled out or a tight off-side decision.
After the break, Nani struck the foot of the Swiss post after a good run and then Inler cracked a shot off the upright from 30 meters out at the other end. Müller and Derdiyok then combined to set-up Hakan Yakin, who slipped the ball between the legs of Portugal’s keeper Ricardo and make it 1:0 (71’).
Shortly afterwards, Werder striker Hugo Almeida was introduced to replace Helder Postiga but he never got the opportunity to show what he is capable of. Yakin, on the other hand, stepped up to convert a penalty, after a very dubious challenge from Meira on Barnetta, and make it 2:0 for the Swiss. On an emotional night, Kuhn bid farewell to Basel, the tournament and the Switzerland fans.
