Vonlanthen inspires Swiss victory

Serbia and Montenegro 2-3 Switzerland
Despite being hindered by the absence of several first-choice players, an 83rd-minute strike from Johan Vonlanthen earned Switzerland an unexpected victory against fellow UEFA European Under-21 Championship finalists Serbia and Montenegro in an entertaining match in Smederevo.

'Worked well'
The visitors were greeted by an appreciative round of applause from the home supporters as they left the pitch, leaving Switzerland coach Bernard Challandes a satisfied man. "My players worked very well in defence and in attack," he said. "They controlled the ball well. It was an interesting match. We were very concentrated and clever for all 90 minutes. However I know we must improve if we want to qualify for the Olympics." The top three countries in the U21 Championship qualify for the football tournament at the Olympics in Athens later this year.

Ideal opening
Switzerland made the perfect start, taking the lead after only eight minutes as FC St. Gallen's Tranquillo Barnetta opened the scoring with a spectacular volley.

Lazovic leveller
The Swiss continued to control the game, with David Chiumiento – who recently made his first-team debut for Juventus FC – particularly impressive, but were pegged back seven minutes into the second half as striker Danko Lazovic levelled for Serbia and Montenegro.

Quick goals
Parity lasted only three minutes, however, as Davide Calla restored the away team's advantage. Two minutes later it was 2-2, Andrija Delibašic equalising for a second time for the home side.

Solo strike
Just as it seemed the match would end all-square, PSV Eindhoven's Vonlanthen won it for Switzerland with a spectacular solo goal to cap a mesmerising run seven minutes from time.

Selection dilemma
Challandes admitted he now has a "luxury problem" on his hands. "If all players are fit, up to 28 will battle for a place in the [finals] squad," the Switzerland coach confirmed. Switzerland face hosts Germany, Portugal and Sweden in Group B at this summer's finals.

'Useful experience'
Croatia, Italy and Belarus form Serbia and Montenegro's opposition in Group A and coach Vladimir Petrovic conceded that today's game was a useful experience. "Good match, bad result," he said. "We have problems, primarily tactical ones. I congratulate the Swiss on their victory."