Swiss set up Ukraine test
23 Jun 2006 - 22:35:45
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- Swiss set up Ukraine test
Switzerland will play Ukraine in the first knockout stage of the World Cup finals on Monday in Cologne after beating Korea Republic 2-0 in a lively Group G encounter.
The Hanover defeat means Dick Advocaat's side, that reached the semi-finals on home soil four years ago, will be going home early after finishing third in the group.
It was a fair result as Korea Republic looked busy but too often there was no end product to their lively approach work.
After a cagey opening, Tranquillo Barnetta raced clear for Switzerland in the 11th minute but was too slow as Jin-Chul Choi got back to close him down.
However, it came as no surprise when the Swiss took the lead midway through the first half - Hakan Yakin's free-kick being headed home powerfully by Philippe Senderos.
It was brave effort by Senderos as he and Jin-Cheol Choi clashed heads a split second after the defender met the ball, and both players needed treatment before returning to the fray.
Alexander Frei wasted several chances for Switzerland before Korea Republic enjoyed a purple patch just before the break. Jin-Kyu Kim shot over the bar from close range, Chu-Young Park fired a left-footed shot wide and Chun-Soo Lee tried his luck from distance only for Pascal Zuberbuhler to deny him with a fine save.
Korea Republic ran out of steam after the interval though and Switzerland wrapped up the game with a controversial goal in the 77th minute.
The linesman raised his flag for offside, then put it down as Frei went on to round the keeper and slot the ball into an empty net.
The referee appeared to over-rule his linesman as the ball came off a Korea Republic player on the way through to Frei but Advocaat's side were livid and a flurry of yellow cards were shown as they contested the decision.
There was still time for Frei to head another good chance over the bar but it was a good night for the Swiss - they have kept three clean sheets in their three group games and must now fancy their chances of reaching the quarter-finals.