Swiss set for tough test

Switzerland may be joint-leaders of UEFA European Under-17 Championship Group B, but they are set for a tough test when they face a Portuguese side looking to bounce back from an opening-game defeat.

Christiano Ronaldo missing
The Swiss ran out 3-1 winners over Ukraine on Sunday but must now raise their game even further against the four-time winners of the U-16 tournament. Portugal's 2-0 defeat against France in Lyngby was a bitter blow for Barceló Silveira Ramos's side and they go into today's encounter knowing that only a win will do. If they are to win, they will have to do it without playmaker Christiano Ronaldo who is suspended after being sent off in the final minute against France.

'More chances'
Having been outfought by their French opponents on Sunday, Silveira Ramos knows Portugal's players must up the ante, and keep cool heads, if they are to live up to the high expectations placed on them. "Of course we will be trying to win the match, he said. "But we must play well and create more chances than we did against France. Our mobility and ability to adapt are two of our main strengths but we must be more attack-minded than in our first match."

Tough test
That could spell bad news for Switzerland who were far from convincing against Ukraine. They were two goals to the good inside the opening five minutes but allowed their opponents back into the match and only scored a third after a goalkeeping error. Their 100 per cent qualifying record was impressive but it is a certainty that Portugal will provided stiffer opposition than Wales, Faroe Islands and even Ukraine. Philippe Senderos and Marko Milosavac both impressed during the first match but they and their team-mates must be at their very best if they are to subdue the Portuguese.

Rabat wary
In the day's other Group B match, France take on Ukraine buoyed by their victory over Portugal. Saïd Khiter and Christophe Mandanne scored the goals in a hard-fought encounter that saw the French side out-muscle their undeniably skilful opponents. Ukraine are sure to provide another physical test for Luc Rabat's team and the French coach is more than aware of the threat today's opposition pose.

'Difficult match'
"Ukraine are certainly a good side," Rabat said. "They beat both Turkey and Italy in their qualifying group so they are capable of getting good results. I think it will be a difficult match from a football and a tactical point of view."

Must-win match
Despite their opening-match defeat against Switzerland, Ukraine will certainly be motivated for their meeting with France knowing that only a win will do if they are to stand any chance of a top-two finish. Coach Pavlo Yakovenko must now look to boost his side's confidence for their trip to Valby and will be aware that a second defeat would spell the end of their participation in this year's competition.