Flying start for Switzerland

Switzerland proved that they are one of the teams to watch in this year's UEFA European Under-17 Championship, as they got their challenge off to a flying start with a 3-1 win against Ukraine.

Shock start
Both sides showed plenty of desire to get forward in the opening stages and, while Ukraine were regarded as favourites for the match, it was Switzerland who stunned the crowd at the Køge stadium with two goals in as many minutes. First, Philippe Senderos rose above the Ukrainian rearguard to head in a corner from Reto Ziegler, before the Swiss doubled their lead seconds later when Marko Milosavac burst into the box and left keeper Leonid Musin stranded with a deflected shot.

Poor conditions
Pavlo Yakovenko's side were clearly reeling from the early shock and Switzerland looked physically stronger in a first half in which both sides struggled to come to terms with a soaking wet pitch. Switzerland were content to leave the attacking initiative to Ukraine but they were unable to create any clear-cut opportunities.

Ukraine lifeline
Ivan Kotenko handed Ukraine a lifeline shortly before half-time, when he slid in to convert Vyacheslav Lytvynenko's cross. Lytvynenko broke free of his marker's attentions and sent in a low centre that allowed Kotenko to reduce the deficit from close range.

Physical encounter
Both sides showed determination as the second half wore on, but a rash of fouls marred what was otherwise a technically refined match. In the end it took a goalkeeping error for the Swiss to add to the scoring, as Musin totally misjudged a deep cross to leave Slavisa Dugic with an easy tap-in.