MATCH 03 REPORT : SOLID SWISS HOLD FIRM

Outsiders Croatia and Switzerland played out a tense goalless draw in Leiria in the first game of UEFA EURO 2004™ Group B.

Second booking
In a fiercely contested encounter, Croatia had the technical edge, but were thwarted by a determined, solid effort from the battling Swiss, who spent the majority of the second period with ten men after Johann Vogel was dismissed for a second bookable offence five minutes after half-time.

Full strength
Switzerland coach Jakob Kuhn was able to field a full-strength lineup with midfield anchor Vogel recovered from a thigh injury, while Croatia were without goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa, who is out of the tournament with a torn thigh muscle. Tomislav Butina deputised and Tomislav Šokota partnered the dangerous Dado Pršo up front.

Early running
Croatia made the early running in a frenetic opening, and Nenad Bjelica had an early chance with a free-kick, but his curling effort went straight into the arms of Swiss keeper Jörg Stiel. Tackles flew in thick and fast and Vogel was cautioned for a trip on Šokota as Croatia moved forward with pace and purpose, Ivica Mornar heading a corner just wide.

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