Switzerland

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Magnin set for Swiss captaincy

11 Jun 2008 - 14:23:49

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Alexander Frei's knee injury has opened the way for Ludovic Magnin to captain Switzerland in their second Group A match against Turkey.

However, the 29-year-old left-back is clear that Frei remains the off-field captain and a vital part of the Swiss dressing room.

"Of course, I will wear the armband on the pitch, but Alex is still there and we are captains on the same level," Magnin explained.

"When something like this happens the team is brought closer together. The opening game showed we are able to perform on the highest level."

Hakan Yakin, born in Basel but of Turkish origin, is likely to replace Frei in the Swiss attack as the co-hosts face elimination should they lose.

"You never consider the possibility of a defeat, that is obvious, but we are clearly aware that a defeat would mean that our tournament would consist of just one more match against Portugal and nothing else," Swiss coach Kobi Kuhn said ahead of the clash at St Jakob-Park in Basel.