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Swiss feeling bright after EURO success

"This might be the start of something new here," said coach Vladimir Petković as Switzerland celebrated making it to UEFA EURO 2016 as Group E runners-up.

Xherdan Shaqiri celebrates with team-mates after Switzerland confirmed their place in the finals
Xherdan Shaqiri celebrates with team-mates after Switzerland confirmed their place in the finals ©AFP/Getty Images

A 7-0 victory against San Marino confirmed Switzerland's passage to their first UEFA European Championship since they co-hosted UEFA EURO 2008 with neighbours Austria.

Defeats to England and Slovenia in their first two games did not discourage  Vladimir Petković's side, and they will bring a classy side to France next summer, the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka and Josip Drmic all impressing in qualifying.

Reaction
Vladimir Petković, Switzerland coach
We are happy that we have qualified for EURO 2016. Now we can plan for the future. What we've achieved is very important for us. We will start to prepare for EURO 2016 in November. This is a good feeling and also a highlight of my career. This might be the start of something new here – maybe a new era.

Key stats
Best result: group stage 1996, 2004, 2008
Coach: Vladimir Petković
Leading scorers: all-time – Alexander Frei (42); current – Xherdan Shaqiri (17)
Most appearances: all-time – Heinz Hermann (118); current – Gökhan İnler (86)

Record EURO appearances
Overall: Stéphane Chapuisat (29)
Final tournament: Hakan Yakin, Patrick Müller (6)

Record EURO goals
Overall: Kubilay Türkyilmaz (9)
Final tournament: Hakan Yakin (3)