Swiss youngsters make history
Wednesday 8th May 2002
The Swiss Under-17s have become the first Swiss side ever to reach an international final after brushing aside a previously unbeaten English side.
Pride is gradually being restored in Swiss football. As the under-21s prepare to contest the European Championships on home soil, the Swiss Under-17s have become the first Swiss side ever to reach an international final
"We knew we had a good team, but I could never have imagined such a great achievement before the tournament," confessed the Swiss coach Markus Frei.
Since arriving at the championships in Denmark, the Swiss have scored 12 goals and conceded just two in five matches. Their latest success was a 3-0 win against England, who had not conceded a goal in their previous three games.
"Basically, we have good players, but with these talented individuals, we have built a real team - that's what's seen us through," Frei said.
"As is often the case in Switzerland, we have a sound defence, but this year, we're just as strong going forward," he explained.
In the final Frei's boys will face the French, who they have already beaten in the group stages.
"We must try to put that match put of our minds. The circumstances are very different - we had already qualified, and so had the French virtually," the coach said.