Friendly chance for Spycher
Wednesday, April 23, 2003
Article summary
Grasshopper-Club's Christoph Spycher has been named in Switzerland's squad to face Italy in Geneva.
Article body
Debut chance
The 24-year-old, who has impressed for the Swiss league leaders this season, was named in the squad for the UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier against Georgia earlier this month when Switzerland drew 0-0, but did not play. Spycher's chances have improved with an injury to Hamburger SV player Raphael Wicky, who will definitely not figure next Wednesday.
Henchoz out
Switzerland coach Koebi Kuhn has named 19 players in all for the match, which will be played in Geneva. Also missing is Liverpool FC centre-back Stéphane Henchoz but SV Werder Bremen defender Ludovic Magnin returns after an injury lay-off. FC Thun's Swiss-Albanian striker Milaim Rama, 27, recently given dual nationality, has been put on standby.
Russia test
Switzerland are two points clear at the top of Group 10 with eight points from four games. Their next qualifying match is at home against second-placed Russia on 7 June.
Switzerland squad
Borer, Stiel, Zuberbühler, Haas, Meyer, Müller, M Yakin, Berner, Magnin, Zwissig, Cabanas, Celestini, Vogel, H Yakin, Cantaluppi, Spycher, Chapuisat, Frei, Thurre.