Switzerland and Croatia meet for the first time tomorrow and although the game in Leiria is the first in Euro 2004 Group B it is already seen by both sides as a "must-win" match. With defending champions France and England waiting in the wings, the group outsiders know that three points from the fixture is essential to give them a realistic chance of progressing to the last eight.
Croatia are the form team having chalked up three warm-up wins, the most recent an impressive 2-1 success in Denmark. Traditionally a flair team, Croatia earned their place in the finals more on the back of a parsimonious defence as they conceded only four goals in finishing second to Bulgaria in their group. They edged past Slovenia 2-1 on aggregate in the playoffs, both goals coming from pony-tailed striker Dado Prso.
Croatia have suffered a blow at the other end of the pitch, however, with first-choice goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa ruled out of the opening two games with a leg muscle injury. He is likely to be replaced by Tomislav Butina, who could be a little rusty after spending most of the season on the bench at Club Bruges.
The Swiss have no injury worries, though midfielder Ricardo Cabanas is suspended, but it is a lack of form that must concern coach Kobi Kuhn.
Probable teams (and squad numbers):
Switzerland (4-3-1-2): 1 Joerg Stiel, 2 Bernt Haas, 20 Patrick Mueller, 5 Murat Yakin, 3 Bruno Berner, 8 Raphael Wicky, 6 Johann Vogel, 18 Benjamin Huggel, 10 Hakan Yakin, 11 Stephane Chapuisat, 9 Alexander Frei.
Croatia (4-4-2): 12 Tomislav Butina, 13 Dario Simic, 21 Robert Kovac, 3 Josip Simunic, 6 Boris Zivkovic, 19 Ivica Mornar, 10 Niko Kovac, 22 Nenad Bjelica, 7 Milan Rapaic, 9 Dado Prso, 11Tomislav Sokota.
Referee: Lucillo Batista (Portugal)
Filed by Mark O'Neill-Cummins
