Hakan Yakin’s brace ended Portugal’s 100 per cent record and gave co-hosts Switzerland the opportunity to bow out with a win. The Portuguese didn’t impress, also because they were largely relying on their reserves.

Switzerland had all the motivation needed to do well and save their reputation in front of their fans. Jakob Kuhn kept his favourite 4-4-2 formation but made some changes to the starting XI. Pascal Zuberbuhler took the gloves instead of Diego Benaglio. Experienced defender Ludovic Magnin kept his place alongside Philippe Senderos. Tranquillo Barnetta was left out with Brescia ace Johan Vonlanthen stepping in.

As expected, Luiz Scolari opted for a reshuffle changing eight players out of the starting formation which beat the Czech Republic and Turkey. Ricardo retained his place as did Pepe and Paulo Ferreira. Miguel covered the right-back spot while defender Fernando Meira started as a central midfielder. Starlet Miguel Veloso was also picked while an untested trident formed by Ricardo Quaresma, Helder Postiga and Nani lined up front.

The game started at a decent pace with both teams looking inspired and up for a fight. The Swiss were particularly aggressive and tried to keep it tight at the back, which wasn’t easy against such a fast and talented side such as the Portuguese team.

Quaresma showed all his skills by crossing the ball for Helder Postiga with a rabona, but the striker was offside. Nani also tried to find his way on the right flank but the Manchester United starlet was brought down in the box by Stephan Lichtsteiner – it should have been a penalty.

Switzerland came out of their half with a corner kick and Valon Behrami’s volley was saved by Ricardo. A few minutes later Pepe had a golden chance following a free-kick from Nani which was touched by the defender and then deflected into the bar by ‘keeper Zuberbuhler. Bruno Alves also got a free header but missed his opportunity.

Gokhan Inler scared the Portuguese with a powerful long distance shot, but then Helder Postiga could have brought them ahead on the break when his effort was cleared off the line by Senderos. Yakin was booked shortly after due to a foul just outside the box but the consequent free-kick didn’t create any danger.

Behrami looked in good shape and managed to get past Ferreira, who brought him down with a nasty tackle and was fortunate to only see a yellow card. The Lazio player was carried out injured but then managed to walk back in to the pitch although he was still struggling.

A few minutes later a cross from the right side was headed brilliantly by Yakin forcing Ricardo to make another impressive save. Just before half-time Jorge Riberio stepped in to replace Ferreira, who seemed quite tense and risked a second booking and ban ahead of the quarter-finals.

Nani felt he should have been awarded another penalty when Patrick Muller pulled him by the shirt, but once again the referee didn’t intervene. Then Postiga elbowed Inler, who was bleeding, but it didn’t seem like the striker intended to foul the Udinese midfielder.

Switzerland started the second half with a good attitude creating two chances with Vonlanthen and Inler. But Portugal went incredibly close to taking the lead when Nani received the ball from Veloso and fired onto the right post. Quaresma nearly got himself into trouble when he hit Magnin with his studs and was then denied by Zuberbuhler.

Former Brescia youngster Vonlanthen made way for Tranquillo Barnetta and the Swiss came out with authority. Inler’s terrific effort smacked against the side of the post. The Udinese ace looked in fantastic form tonight. Switzerland were piling the pressure and took the lead with Yakin who managed to beat Ricardo following a lob pass from Eren Derdiyok.

As the local fans were celebrating, Portugal came out strong hoping to rescue themselves from the first defeat in the championship. Hugo Almeida went in for Postiga while Joao Moutinho had replaced Veloso only a couple of minutes earlier. Quaresma could have equalised but wasn’t clinical enough and lost the ball on the edge of the box.

Then just as the game was entering the final minutes, Fernando Meira brought Barnetta down in the box and Yakin had no trouble beating Ricardo from the penalty spot. Yakin was then replaced by Ricardo Cabanas in order to receive a standing ovation from the fans.

Despite losing this game, Portugal ended top of Group A and will be facing the second placed team from Group B in the quarter-finals. Euro 2008 co-hosts Switzerland are bottom of the group but managed to earn the appreciation of their fans thanks to this final victory in Basel against a team which may end up winning this championship.
Switzerland: Zuberbuhler; Lichtsteiner (Grichting 84), Muller, Senderos, Magnin; Behrami, Inler, Fernandes, Vonlanthen (Barnetta 61); Derdiyok, Yakin (Cabanas 86)

Portugal: Ricardo; Miguel, Pepe, Bruno Alves, Ferreira (Ribeiro 42); Meira, Veloso (Joao Moutinho 70), Meireles; Quaresma, Nani; Helder Postiga (Hugo Almeida 74)

Ref: Plautz (Aus)

Ref From channel4.com