Alexandre Comisetti: Switzerland can reach the quarter-finals!

The former Swiss International Alexander Comisetti (30 games, 3 goals) is TSR’s (French-speaking Swiss television) football consultant. He will comment the Euro 2008 games as well.

What follows is an interview concerning Switzerland’s chances and Group A in general.

Portugal, you have to keep an eye on them
“Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani, Ricardo Carvalho: all these Champions’ League stars are the first names that come to me when one mentions the Seleçao. Nuno Gomes is also an amazing player. One has to keep an eye on them in the same way as milk on the fire. Portuguese artists can make tricks we’re not used to seeing.

But their quality is expressed especially when they play as a team. Everyone will have to play the same amount as his teammate. If there’s harmony, it will be impossible to play them.

Czech Republic, promising young talents
It’s a solid team that possesses young players and a good defence, that conceded only 8 goals in the qualifiers. In attack they can count upon a tower, Jan Koller, 2m02. It’s rare to find such a player in the world of football.

Tomas Rosicky, the “young Mozart”, will certainly be an important absence. On the other hand that of Pavel Nedved won’t be felt.

Turkey, the context is different
This is a team that has a great personality. Memories of the past (the play-off with Switzerland) are very emotional. However, I believe that they shouldn’t be brought up again, the context is different. It’s pointless for the “Nati” to waste energy with what regards the past.

Keep an eye on Emre (Newcastle). Even though he’s located in the back, he’s essential to the Turkish game. Nihat, who has scored 18 goals in the Championship with Villareal, is also a fundamental player.

Switzerland, “the possibility of reaching the quarter-finals
According to me, Switzerland has great chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals. The “Nati” can play at the same level with other Group A teams. The first game against the Czech Republic will be very important. But a defeat wouldn’t end their chances. Portugal lost their opening game in Euro 2004 only to get the final anyways.

Friendly games aren’t particularly significant. When you play important games with your club, you don’t play at the same level with your national team. It won’t be the same during the European Championship.