Switzerland and Sweden put problems aside

Switzerland and Sweden have been counting the cost of injuries, suspensions and senior-team promotions ahead of Thursday's play-off first leg. Yet they need no reminding of what is on offer to the side that copes best – a place in next summer's UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

Switzerland made serene progress through qualifying Group 2, sealing progress with a game to spare, but success at this level is always a double-edged sword. Coach Pierluigi Tami knows that all too well, given five members of his first-choice side – François Affolter, Xherdan Shaqiri, Valentin Stocker, Moreno Costanzo and Eren Derdiyok – are on duty with the senior squad this week. It is a sign of what he has achieved but also a barrier, perhaps, to how much further he can go.

"It is not that tragic," contends Tami. "This has been the case a lot over recent years. It just means others will have to step up. Ottmar Hitzfeld's team should always be the priority." Even so, with Brescia Calcio defender Gaetano Berardi also missing the first leg through suspension, the hosts could have their work cut out in Sion against a "physically strong and very compact" Sweden outfit.

The visitors and Group 6 winners have problems of their own, with Joel Ekstrand and Martin Olsson banned and Ivo Pekalski (hamstring) and Rasmus Elm (foot) unavailable due to injury. Sweden retain hopes of recovering AZ Alkmaar midfielder Elm for Monday's return in Malmo, though joint-coach Jörgen Lennartsson is looking no further than the first instalment as he prepares to bow out on a high. He is stepping down to take the helm at Norwegian side Stabæk Fotball.

"It's an important challenge, especially because the 2011 finals will also serve as qualification for the 2012 Olympics in London," said Lennartsson. He describes the Swiss as "a very technical, skilful side", adding an instructive caveat – "but so are we". Indeed, Tami also believes there is little to choose between the teams, saying "this tie is there for the taking". The next five days will decide who does precisely that.