Germany Defeats Switzerland

If Germany’s most recent matches were an indication that the World Cup euphoria from nearly two years ago was exhausted, then the 4-0 victory in Basle over Switzerland may have revealed that the players are now ready for the European championships. Captain Michael Ballack, who had warned the squad to improve swiftly after some mediocre games, was more than satisfied.

“I think that it was a pretty good performance", he said. "Switzerland also wants to win the Euro. They’ve said that and they’ve played well of late. Therefore, it was a very good result tonight.”

The match was from the beginning a drastic improvement for the Germans compared to the past three games. The forwards attacked early to try and regain possession, and the midfield stood steady. Defender Philipp Lahm played some of the best soccer in the back line. For him, his teammates produced the kind of effort that will be necessary this June.

“Everyone was ready to run this evening", the Munich fullback said. "Everyone moved, was ready to accept the ball and fought for the others. We were very well organised.”

Swiss defence outwitted

That could not be said for the Swiss defence for almost all of Germany’s strikes in this match. The first goal came in the 23rd minute with some help from Swiss goalie Diego Benaglio, though. Mario Gomez sent a cross that bounced under the outstretched arm of Benaglio and Miroslav Klose needed only to push the ball over the goal line.

The second half started with a reinvigorated Swiss side. But after the first quarter hour, Germany again assumed command as a counterattacking squad.

The assist man on the first goal, Mario Gomez, struck twice within six minutes, removing any possibility of a Swiss comeback. Two minutes from time, Lukas Podolski, who had magnificently fed Gomez for his second goal, again outfoxed the Swiss defence on an offside trap to make it 4-0.

Man of the match Gomez, looking to be the partner with Klose at the Euro, said it succinctly afterwards.

“We wanted to win this game. We won on the road 4-0. I think it was a success.”

And for Switzerland coach, Köbi Kuhn, Germany is one, if not the, favourite of this tournament.

“In this condition, it will be difficult to defeat Germany.”

Austria give up 2-goal lead

Germany’s three group opponents at the Euro, Austria, Croatia and Poland, were all in action on Wednesday. Austria surrendered a 3-1 half-time leader to lose 4-3 to the Netherlands. Croatia drew 1-1 with Scotland while the USA defeated Poland 3-0 in Krakow.