Below-strength Switzerland take aim
Friday, August 29, 2008
Article summary
Switzerland are missing a number of key players as they prepare for their crucial UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 5 encounter with the Netherlands on 9 September.
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Absent colleagues
Pierre-André Schürmann's side trail the Netherlands by two points and if the reigning champions fail to beat Norway next Friday, Switzerland will be able to clinch top spot and a guaranteed play-off place with victory in their final fixture. However, not only are Julian Esteban, Jonas Elmer and Eren Derdiyok injured, but the eligible Valentin Stocker, Gelson Fernandes, Johan Vonlanthen, Johan Djourou and Almen Abdi are in the senior squad for Switzerland's opening FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Still, most of the team that started the 1-0 win in the Netherlands on 23 May remain in a 22-strong selection, including scorer Claudio Lustenberger and goalkeeper Yann Sommer.
Switzerland squad
Goalkeepers: David Gonzales (FC Sion), Yann Sommer (FC Vaduz).
Defenders: Heinz Barmettler (FC Zürich), Beg Ferati (FC Basel 1893), Jérôme Thiesson (FC Wil 1900), Kay Voser (Grasshopper-Club), Claudio Lustenberger (FC Luzern), Stefan Glarner (FC Thun), Patrick Baumann (FC Concordia Basel).
Midfielders: Didier Crettenand (FC Sion), Blerim Dzemaili (Bolton Wanderers FC), Shkelzen Gashi (AC Bellinzona), Fabian Lustenberger (Hertha BSC Berlin), Jocelyn Roux (AC Bellinzona), Stephan Andrist (FC Thun).
Forwards: Moreno Costanzo (FC St. Gallen), Frank Feltscher (US Lecce), Adrian Nikci (FC Zürich).