Basel June 15- Euro 2008 co-hosts Switzerland said 'Goodbye' to the championship as they put up a superb performance at Basel. Two goals from Hakan Yakin gave Switzerland the much needed victory and they left the tournament with pride.
Though the 2-0 win over Portugal could not help Köbi Kuhn's men stay in the Euro Cup 2008 championship, it no doubt lifted the spirit of the Swiss team as they walked away from the field. The Switzerland-Portugal match opened with Portugal in control. Portugal goalkeeper Ricardo Quaresma saved a pass from Helder Postiga and ten minutes later, Nani made a powerful free kick.
Switzerland picked up momentum within 19 minutes into the game. Gökhan Inler and then Valon Behrami made efforts to open the scoring. Ricardo made another save as Yakin headed the ball towards the net. There was action as both teams tried hard to make a goal.
With the second half came more missed opportunities. Portugal had almost made it when Barnetta made a forceful shot towards goal only to be stopped by Pepe. A few minuted later, Vonlanthen tried to score but failed to do so.
It was at the 71th minute that Yakin gave Switzerland the lead by kicking the ball hard into the net past Ricardo. Yakin struck again from penalty spot just seven minutes before the game ended. Portugal, the winners of Group A, will be playing in the quarter finals while Switzerland bid adieu to the Euro 2008 tournament.
Final Score Switzerland-Portugal Match June 15
Switzerland 2-0 Portugal
Goals
2
