Stunning Swiss book final berth
Tuesday, May 7, 2002
Article summary
Boban Maksimovic scored twice as Switzerland reached the final with a convincing 3-0 victory over England today.
Article body
Boban Maksimovic scored twice as Switzerland reached the final of UEFA European Under-17 Championship with a convincing 3-0 victory over England today.
Early shock
Switzerland had taken the lead in all their previous matches in the tournament matches and had no intention of changing that statistic as they delivered an early blow to Dick Bate's side. Marco Schneuwly burst into the box in the seventh minute and flicked the ball back for the on-rushing Maksimovic to shoot coolly past a helpless Steven Drench.
English pressure
However, England, handicapped by the absence of injured skipper David Raven, soon overcame the shock of conceding an early goal and pinned the Swiss back in their own half during a frantic period that saw both Wayne Routledge and Wayne Rooney go close to equalising.
Rock-solid rearguard
Just when it seemed that England were certain the restore parity, Markus Frei's side proved once more that they are a well-organised unit, as the majority of England's attacking football was halted by a rock-solid Swiss rearguard. England failed to make their domination of possession count and were punished in the 52nd minute.
Switzerland in charge
Maksimovic picked up a loose ball in the English penalty area, rounded Drench and tapped the ball in for his second goal of the match. It was a cruel blow for England, but worse was to come when Stefan Iten escaped his marker down the right and provided a driven cross for Marko Milosavac to convert at the second attempt.
'Composed at the back'
Swiss coach Markus Frei was all smiles after the match and said. "We were composed at the back and never allowed them any clear chances. Of course they put us under tremendous pressure but we were always in control and up front we capitalised on the chances we had".
'Beginning of the end'
England coach Bate was disappointed with the result but magnanimous in defeat. "They were very well organised like we knew they would be," he said. "And we made things extremely difficult for ourselves when we allowed them to score so early. That was the beginning of the end."
