Swiss confident of improved result

Switzerland may have lost their opening match in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship against England on Friday, but the hosts' performance will give them every confidence that they can bounce back and beat Portugal tonight in Zürich.

Cabanas stars against England
Bernard Challandes' side were only denied an equaliser in their 2-1 Group 1 loss by an excellent goalkeeping performance by England's Paul Robinson, and the midfield play of captain Ricardo Cabanas along with Alexander Frei's stunning free-kick goal proved that they could yet make a mark on their first appearance in these championships.

No significant changes
Challandes is not expected to make significant changes to the team applauded from the field by home fans on Friday, but a win or a draw is a must against the Portuguese, who overcame the sending-off of Jorge Ribeiro to restrict holders Italy to a 1-1 draw in their opening fixture. Indeed, Portugal held the lead until after they were reduced to ten men, and their talented side outplayed the favoured Italians for long periods.

'Victory is a must'
Portugal may feel that a second draw would not help their chances of progressing to the next stage, with final opponents England looking in ominous form against the Swiss. Coach Agostinho de Olivereira admitted after the Italy match: "Now, a victory against Switzerland is a must." Briguel is tipped to replace the suspended Ribeiro in defence, but otherwise Oliveira is expected to stick with the side that held Italy.

Partisan crowd
However, if Portugal are to pick up points they will have to contend with the partisan 16,000 crowd at the Hardturm stadium, whose support did so much to help Switzerland after falling two behind to England. With Swiss hopes of making the last four resting on getting something from tonight's game, their supporters are sure to again be in full voice, especially if the home favourite, Cabanas of Grasshopper-Club, produces another classy display.