Thursday Jun 22 2006 13:09
Switzerland need only a draw in their final Group G clash against South Korea to qualify for the last 16 of the tournament following their 2-0 victory over Togo.
Tranquillo Barnetta's late goal against the Sparrowhawks lifted the Swiss' goal difference to plus two compared with South Korea's plus one, a potentially crucial advantage going into the final round of group matches.
Switzerland coach Kobi Kuhn hopes to have Valon Behrami available for the crunch clash in Cologne after the Lazio defender missed the games with France and Togo because of a groin problem.
"He trained fully (on Wednesday) without reporting any pain," said team doctor Rudolf Roder. "I think he will be available for Friday's game although that decision will be made by the coach."
Meanwhile, midfielder Daniel Gygax is a doubt after picking up a stomach muscle problem against Togo. His place could be taken by Hakan Yakin who impressed when coming on as a second-half substitute against the African side.
It was Yakin's first appearance for the national team in nine months after enduring an injury-ravaged time.
In the build-up to the game, Kuhn's 50th in charge of the national team, the Swiss coach said: "We always go out to win, playing in an attacking manner if we can. But if the match does end in a draw I will be very, very happy."
South Korea coach Dick Advocaat knows a draw may not be enough for the semi-finalists of four years ago if France beat Togo in Hanover.
He has no injury or suspension concerns and may opt to start with striker Ahn Jung-hwan on the substitute's bench for the third successive game.
Cho Jae-Jin hopes that South Korea can benefit from Swiss caution, saying: "We know we need to beat them to go through.
"The Swiss might relax a little bit, thinking they just need a draw. It could give us a chance to put them under some pressure if they show signs of letting up.
"If we play to our strengths we should be able to beat them."
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