Togo confident of shocking Swiss
18 Jun 2006 - 13:10:09
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- Togo confident of shocking Swiss
Togo's debut in the World Cup finals has been completely overshadowed by off-field problems, but the West Africans gave a promising display in their 2-1 loss to Korea Republic.
Coach Otto Pfister was still on the bench after an ongoing row about the team's bonus payments and the German looks likely to stay there until the competition is over.
Against Korea Mohamed Kader gave his side the lead with an excellent strike and his link-up with skipper Emmanuel Adebayor will be crucial.
Kader admitted: "We had good chances to win after I scored against Korea Republic.
"We had a lot of chances and I am sure we can create a lot against Switzerland.
"We feel we can win and we want to put the stories of everything else behind us now. The dispute over money and the coach is not finally finished, but it is more or less done."
Pfister's side will be without Ludovic Assemoassa after he tore knee ligaments in the opening game, while Jean-Paul Abalo is suspended after his dismissal against Korea.
Switzerland also have grounds for optimism after their goalless draw against neighbours and 1998 champions France.
Kobi Kuhn's side more than held their own against Les Bleus and could have snatched all thee points had they been more clinical in front of goal.
However, the Swiss coach is wary of the threat posed by Togo, saying: "I see them as a strong team, who qualified for the World Cup in a strong group.
"They lost 2-1 to Korea Republic, but that was only after having a man sent off and even then they had their chances.
"I don't know who is saying we are favourites, but even if we are we still have to go out and get the result.
"We should find more space to attack against Togo, just because there is so little space to exploit when you play against France."
Kuhn has only one injury worry, with defender Valon Behrami still struggling to overcome a nagging groin problem.