Kuhn seeks killer touch

Still alive
Jakob Kuhn's side remain in contention despite yesterday's 3-0 defeat by England, after Croatia held France to a 2-2 draw in the other game last night. Those results mean that Switzerland can qualify for the quarter-finals provided they beat the holders in Coimbra, and there is a winner of the Croatia-England match.

'Lack of confidence'
Swiss survival therefore depends on them scoring at least one goal against the French - a feat which has eluded Kuhn's team in these finals. "I don't think we have general problems going forward, rather our problem is a lack of confidence in front of goal," the 64-year-old said.

Rest needed
The coach has been criticised for persevering with 34-year-old forward Stéphane Chapuisat in both matches so far, but is more concerned with the leg-weariness of all his players. "Those who have played two games will need to recuperate both mentally and physically," he said.

Luck runs dry
Meanwhile, Chapuisat's strike partner Alexander Frei has cited bad luck as the reason for the Swiss goal drought. "We haven't had the luck we had in the qualifiers. Then, shots would just fly in or we would get lucky rebounds, but not any more," said the 24-year-old. "We just need a goal for the train to start moving."

'England more efficient'
However, Frei also admitted a difference in class between Switzerland and their opponents. "We are not yet a top team. Against England, for example, they were just more efficient. They scored three goals from three chances."

Vogel return
Kuhn's squad had a light training session this morning before being allowed to join their families. The only absentee was midfield player Fabio Celestini, who suffered a slight heel injury against England. Celestini is likely to be replaced for the France game anyway, with Johann Vogel returning from suspension.

A man down
One player definitely ruled out is full-back Bernt Haas, who was sent off yesterday. Stéphane Henchoz, who has played at right-back for Liverpool FC, could deputise. For Kuhn, though, the problem is not replacing players but keeping them on the pitch. "The trouble is, we have played almost all the second half of both our matches with ten men. Against Croatia [a 0-0 draw], we overcame this handicap, but it killed us against England."