EURO 2008 Broadcast Schedule

[Terry]

All games available in High Definition

Date Matchup Time Network

June 7 Switzerland vs. Czech Republic 11:30 am et TSN
Portugal vs. Turkey 2:45 pm et TSN

June 8 Austria vs. Croatia 11:30 am et Rogers Sportsnet
Germany vs. Poland 2:45 pm et Rogers Sportsnet

June 9 Romania vs. France 11:30 am et TSN
Netherlands vs. Italy 2:45 pm et TSN

June 10 Spain vs. Russia 11:30 am et TSN
Greece vs. Sweden 2:45 pm et TSN

June 11 Czech Republic vs. Portugal 11:30 am et TSN
Switzerland vs. Turkey 2:45 pm et TSN

June 12 Croatia vs. Germany 11:30 am et Rogers Sportsnet
Austria vs. Poland 2:45 pm et Rogers Sportsnet

June 13 Italy vs. Romania 11:30 am et Rogers Sportsnet
Netherlands vs. France 2:45 pm et Rogers Sportsnet

June 14 Sweden vs. Spain 11:30 am et TSN
Greece vs. Russia 2:45 pm et Rogers Sportsnet

June 15 Switzerland vs. Portugal 2:00 pm et Rogers Sportsnet (Ontario & East Only)
Turkey vs. Czech Republic 2:00 pm et Rogers Sportsnet (West & Pacific Only)

June 16 Poland vs. Croatia 2:00 pm et TSN
Austria vs. Germany 2:00 pm et Rogers Sportsnet

June 17 France vs. Italy 2:00 pm et TSN
Netherlands vs. Romania 2:00 pm et Rogers Sportsnet

June 18 Greece vs. Spain 2:00 pm et TSN
Russia vs. Sweden 2:00 pm et Rogers Sportsnet

June 19 QF - A1 vs. B2 2:00 pm et TSN

June 20 QF - B1 vs. A2 2:00 pm et Rogers Sportsnet

June 21 QF - C1 vs. D2 2:00 pm et TSN

June 22 QF - D1 vs. C2 2:00 pm et Rogers Sportsnet

June 25 SF - Winner A1/B2 vs. Winner B1/A2 2:00 pm et TSN

June 26 SF - Winner C1/D2 vs. Winner D1/C2 2:00 pm et Rogers Sportsnet

June 29 Final 2:00 pm et TSN

Schedule Subject to Change

For encore presentations, please consult your local television listings

All games will be streamed on TSN.ca and Sportsnet.ca in Canada.

[Terry]

Teams and players by group:

Group A:

Czech Republic:

Squad list

Goalkeepers
* 1 Petr Čech
* 16 Jaromír Blažek
* 23 Daniel Zítka

Defenders
* 2 Zdeněk Grygera
* 6 Marek Jankulovski
* 12 Zdeněk Pospěch
* 13 Michal Kadlec
* 21 Tomáš Ujfaluši
* 22 David Rozehnal

Midfielders
* 3 Jan Polák
* 4 Tomáš Galásek
* 5 Radoslav Kováč
* 14 David Jarolím
* 17 Marek Matějovský
* 18 Tomáš Sivok
* 19 Rudolf Skácel
* 20 Jaroslav Plašil

Forwards
* 7 Libor Sionko
* 8 Martin Fenin
* 9 Jan Koller
* 10 Václav Svěrkoš
* 11 Stanislav Vlček
* 15 Milan Baroš

Portugal:

Squad list

Goalkeepers
* 1 Ricardo
* 12 Quim
* 22 Rui Patrício

Defenders
* 2 Paulo Ferreira
* 3 Bruno Alves
* 4 Bosingwa
* 5 Fernando Meira
* 13 Miguel
* 14 Jorge Ribeiro
* 15 Pepe
* 16 Ricardo Carvalho

Midfielders
* 6 Raul Meireles
* 8 Petit
* 10 João Moutinho
* 18 Miguel Veloso
* 20 Deco

Forwards
* 7 Cristiano Ronaldo
* 9 Hugo Almeida
* 11 Simão
* 17 Ricardo Quaresma
* 19 Nani
* 21 Nuno Gomes
* 23 Hélder Postiga

Switzerland:

Squad list

Goalkeepers
* 1 Diego Benaglio
* 18 Pascal Zuberbühler
* 21 Eldin Jakupovic

Defenders
* 2 Johan Djourou
* 3 Ludovic Magnin
* 4 Philippe Senderos
* 5 Stephan Lichtsteiner
* 13 Stéphane Grichting
* 17 Christoph Spycher
* 20 Patrick Müller
* 23 Philipp Degen

Midfielders
* 6 Benjamin Huggel
* 7 Ricardo Cabanas
* 8 Gökhan Inler
* 10 Hakan Yakin
* 14 Daniel Gygax
* 15 Gelson Fernandes
* 16 Tranquillo Barnetta
* 19 Valon Behrami
* 22 Johan Vonlanthen

Forwards
* 9 Alexander Frei
* 11 Marco Streller
* 12 Eren Derdiyok

Turkey:

Squad list

Goalkeepers
* 1 Rüştü Reçber
* 12 Tolga Zengin
* 23 Volkan Demirel

Defenders
* 2 Servet Çetin
* 4 Gökhan Zan
* 13 Emre Güngör
* 15 Emre Aşık
* 20 Sabri Sarıoğlu
* 22 Hamit Altıntop

Midfielders
* 3 Hakan Balta
* 5 Emre Belözoğlu
* 6 Mehmet Topal
* 7 Mehmet Aurélio
* 10 Karadeniz Gökdeniz
* 11 Tümer Metin
* 14 Arda Turan
* 16 Uğur Boral
* 17 Tuncay Şanlı
* 19 Ayhan Akman

Forwards
* 8 Nihat Kahveci
* 9 Semih Şentürk
* 18 Kazım Kazım
* 21 Mevlüt Erdinç

[Terry]

Group B:

Austria:

Squad list

Goalkeepers
* 1 Alex Manninger
* 21 Jürgen Macho
* 23 Ramazan Özcan

Defenders
* 2 Joachim Standfest
* 3 Martin Stranzl
* 4 Emanuel Pogatetz
* 12 Ronald Gercaliu
* 13 Markus Katzer
* 15 Sebastian Prödl
* 16 Jürgen Patocka
* 17 Martin Hiden

Midfielders
* 5 Christian Fuchs
* 6 René Aufhauser
* 8 Christoph Leitgeb
* 10 Andreas Ivanschitz
* 11 Ümit Korkmaz
* 14 György Garics
* 19 Jürgen Säumel
* 20 Martin Harnik

Forwards
* 7 Ivica Vastic
* 9 Roland Linz
* 18 Roman Kienast
* 22 Erwin Hoffer

Croatia:

Squad list

Goalkeepers
* 1 Stipe Pletikosa
* 12 Mario Galinović
* 23 Vedran Runje

Defenders
* 2 Dario Šimić
* 3 Josip Šimunić
* 4 Robert Kovač
* 5 Vedran Ćorluka
* 6 Hrvoje Vejić
* 13 Nikola Pokrivač
* 15 Dario Knežević

Midfielders
* 7 Ivan Rakitić
* 8 Ognjen Vukojević
* 10 Niko Kovač
* 11 Darijo Srna
* 14 Luka Modrić
* 16 Jerko Leko
* 19 Niko Kranjčar
* 22 Danijel Pranjić

Forwards
* 9 Nikola Kalinić
* 17 Ivan Klasnić
* 18 Ivica Olić
* 20 Igor Budan
* 21 Mladen Petrić

Germany:

Squad list

Goalkeepers
* 1 Jens Lehmann
* 12 Robert Enke
* 23 René Adler

Defenders
* 2 Marcell Jansen
* 3 Arne Friedrich
* 4 Clemens Fritz
* 5 Heiko Westermann
* 16 Philipp Lahm
* 17 Per Mertesacker
* 21 Christoph Metzelder

Midfielders
* 6 Simon Rolfes
* 7 Bastian Schweinsteiger
* 8 Torsten Frings
* 13 Michael Ballack
* 14 Piotr Trochowski
* 15 Thomas Hitzlsperger
* 18 Tim Borowski

Forwards
* 9 Mario Gómez
* 10 Oliver Neuville
* 11 Miroslav Klose
* 19 David Odonkor
* 20 Lukas Podolski
* 22 Kevin Kuranyi

Poland:

Squad list

Goalkeepers
* 1 Artur Boruc
* 12 Tomasz Kuszczak
* 22 Łukasz Fabiański

Defenders
* 2 Mariusz Jop
* 3 Jakub Wawrzyniak
* 4 Paweł Golański
* 5 Dariusz Dudka
* 6 Jacek Bąk
* 13 Marcin Wasilewski
* 14 Michał Żewłakow
* 15 Michał Pazdan
* 23 Adam Kokoszka

Midfielders
* 7 Euzebiusz Smolarek
* 8 Jacek Krzynówek
* 10 Łukasz Garguła
* 16 Jakub Błaszczykowski
* 17 Wojciech Lobodzinski
* 18 Mariusz Lewandowski
* 19 Rafał Murawski
* 20 Roger Guerreiro

Forwards
* 9 Maciej Żurawski
* 11 Marek Saganowski
* 21 Tomasz Zahorski

[Terry]

Group C:

France:

Squad list

Goalkeepers
* 1 Steve Mandanda
* 16 Sébastien Frey
* 23 Grégory Coupet

Defenders
* 2 Jean-Alain Boumsong
* 3 Eric Abidal
* 5 William Gallas
* 13 Patrice Evra
* 14 François Clerc
* 15 Lilian Thuram
* 17 Sébastien Squillaci
* 19 Willy Sagnol

Midfielders
* 4 Patrick Vieira
* 6 Claude Makelele
* 7 Florent Malouda
* 11 Samir Nasri
* 20 Jérémy Toulalan
* 21 Lassana Diarra
* 22 Franck Ribéry

Forwards
* 8 Nicolas Anelka
* 9 Karim Benzema
* 10 Sidney Govou
* 12 Thierry Henry
* 18 Bafetimbi Gomis

Italy:

Squad list

Goalkeepers
* 1 Gianluigi Buffon
* 14 Marco Amelia
* 17 Morgan De Sanctis

Defenders
* 2 Christian Panucci
* 3 Fabio Grosso
* 4 Giorgio Chiellini
* 5 Alessandro Gamberini
* 6 Andrea Barzagli
* 19 Gianluca Zambrotta
* 23 Marco Materazzi

Midfielders
* 8 Gennaro Gattuso
* 10 Daniele De Rossi
* 13 Massimo Ambrosini
* 16 Mauro Camoranesi
* 20 Simone Perrotta
* 21 Andrea Pirlo
* 22 Alberto Aquilani

Forwards
* 7 Alessandro Del Piero
* 9 Luca Toni
* 11 Antonio Di Natale
* 12 Marco Borriello
* 15 Fabio Quagliarella
* 18 Antonio Cassano

Netherlands:

Squad list

Goalkeepers
* 1 Edwin van der Sar
* 13 Henk Timmer
* 16 Maarten Stekelenburg

Defenders
* 2 André Ooijer
* 3 John Heitinga
* 4 Joris Mathijsen
* 5 Giovanni van Bronckhorst
* 12 Mario Melchiot
* 14 Wilfred Bouma
* 15 Tim de Cler
* 21 Khalid Boulahrouz

Midfielders
* 6 Demy de Zeeuw
* 8 Orlando Engelaar
* 10 Wesley Sneijder
* 11 Arjen Robben
* 17 Nigel de Jong
* 20 Ibrahim Afellay
* 23 Rafael van der Vaart

Forwards
* 7 Robin van Persie
* 9 Ruud van Nistelrooy
* 18 Dirk Kuyt
* 19 Klaas Jan Huntelaar
* 22 Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink

Romania:

Squad list

Goalkeepers
* 1 Bogdan Lobonţ
* 12 Marius Popa
* 23 Eduard Stăncioiu

Defenders
* 2 Cosmin Contra
* 3 Răzvan Raţ
* 4 Gabriel Tamaş
* 5 Cristian Chivu
* 6 Mirel Rădoi
* 13 Cristian Săpunaru
* 14 Sorin Ghionea
* 15 Dorin Goian
* 17 Cosmin Moţi
* 22 Ştefan Radu

Midfielders
* 7 Florentin Petre
* 8 Paul Codrea
* 11 Răzvan Cociş
* 16 Bănel Nicoliţă
* 19 Adrian Cristea
* 20 Nicolae Dică

Forwards
* 9 Ciprian Marica
* 10 Adrian Mutu
* 18 Marius Niculae
* 21 Daniel Niculae

[Terry]

Group D:

Greece:

Squad list

Goalkeepers
* 1 Antonis Nikopolidis
* 12 Kostas Chalkias
* 13 Alexandros Tzorvas

Defenders
* 2 Giourkas Seitaridis
* 3 Christos Patsatzoglou
* 4 Nikos Spiropoulos
* 5 Traianos Dellas
* 11 Loukas Vintra
* 15 Vassilis Torosidis
* 16 Sotiris Kyrgiakos
* 18 Giannis Goumas
* 19 Paraskevas Antzas

Midfielders
* 6 Angelos Basinas
* 8 Stelios Giannakopoulos
* 10 Giorgos Karagounis
* 21 Kostas Katsouranis
* 22 Alexandros Tziolis

Forwards
* 7 Giorgos Samaras
* 9 Angelos Charisteas
* 14 Dimitris Salpingidis
* 17 Fanis Gekas
* 20 Giannis Amanatidis
* 23 Nikos Liberopoulos

Russia:

Squad list

Goalkeepers
* 1 Igor Akinfeev
* 12 Vladimir Gabulov
* 16 Vyacheslav Malafeev

Defenders
* 2 Vasili Berezutski
* 4 Sergei Ignashevich
* 5 Aleksei Berezutski
* 8 Denis Kolodin
* 14 Roman Shirokov
* 22 Aleksandr Anyukov

Midfielders
* 3 Renat Yanbaev
* 7 Dmitri Torbinski
* 11 Sergei Semak
* 15 Diniyar Bilyaletdinov
* 17 Konstantin Zyryanov
* 18 Yuri Zhirkov
* 20 Igor Semshov
* 23 Vladimir Bystrov

Forwards
* 6 Roman Adamov
* 9 Ivan Saenko
* 10 Andrei Arshavin
* 13 Pavel Pogrebnyak
* 19 Roman Pavlyuchenko
* 21 Dmitri Sychev

Spain:

Squad list

Goalkeepers
* 1 Iker Casillas
* 13 Andrés Palop
* 23 Pepe Reina

Defenders
* 2 Raúl Albiol
* 3 Fernando Navarro
* 4 Carlos Marchena
* 5 Carles Puyol
* 11 Joan Capdevila
* 15 Sergio Ramos
* 18 Álvaro Arbeloa
* 20 Juanito

Midfielders
* 6 Andrés Iniesta
* 8 Xavi Hernández
* 10 Cesc Fàbregas
* 12 Santi Cazorla
* 14 Xabi Alonso
* 19 Marcos Senna
* 22 Rubén de la Red

Forwards
* 7 David Villa
* 9 Fernando Torres
* 16 Sergio García
* 17 Daniel Güiza
* 21 David Silva

Sweden:

Squad list

Goalkeepers
* 1 Andreas Isaksson
* 12 Rami Shaaban
* 13 Johan Wiland

Defenders
* 3 Olof Mellberg
* 4 Petter Hansson
* 5 Fredrik Stoor
* 14 Daniel Majstorovic
* 15 Andreas Granqvist
* 23 Mikael Dorsin

Midfielders
* 2 Mikael Nilsson
* 6 Tobias Linderoth
* 7 Niclas Alexandersson
* 8 Anders Svensson
* 9 Fredrik Ljungberg
* 16 Kim Källström
* 18 Sebastian Larsson
* 19 Daniel Andersson
* 21 Christian Wilhelmsson

Forwards
* 10 Zlatan Ibrahimović
* 11 Johan Elmander
* 17 Henrik Larsson
* 20 Marcus Allbäck
* 22 Markus Rosenberg

[Terry]

Switzerland ready to rise to big occasion
by Michael Harrold from St. Jakob-Park

Finally the waiting is over. Almost two years since Switzerland last played a competitive match, the co-hosts kick off UEFA EURO 2008™ against the Czech Republic determined to hit the ground running.

High hopes
Köbi Kuhn's side departed the 2006 FIFA World Cup with a whimper, failing to score a single penalty in their shoot-out defeat by Ukraine in the last 16. Now they need to begin with a bang. A positive result will galvanise a nation approaching the tournament more in hope than expectation. Kuhn said the supporters will act as a "12th man" in the tight confines of St. Jakob-Park and as he embarks on the final challenge of his coaching career, the 64-year-old is excited by the prospect of what lies ahead.

'Enthusiasm'
"In training we have played with great enthusiasm, commitment and desire," said Kuhn. "It's great fun to be with this squad, to prepare for the EURO and to get started. The first match is absolutely vital. It is going to be difficult, we're aware of that, but we'll try to play the best football we can and try to win every game." Kuhn's preparations have been overshadowed by serious illness to his wife Alice, but he has drawn strength from the support of those around him. "Everyone stands behind me and supports me wherever they can and that gives confidence."

Home truths
Switzerland's co-hosts Austria will be watching with interest to see how their neighbours fare. Of all the countries to have staged the tournament since 1984, only Belgium in 2000 have not reached the semi-finals. Home advantage, though, has its downsides too. Portugal froze as Greece crashed their opening party in Porto four years ago and the Czech Republic will be looking to do the same thing here.

Rosický missed
Coach Karel Brückner, though, has had to adjust his side following the withdrawal of captain Tomáš Rosický through injury last month, and he is still keeping his revised XI a closely guarded secret. "We have various alternatives but I'm not going to discuss that further," said Brückner, whose team were semi-finalists in 2004. "Our players are ready. We're well-prepared and have an experienced team." Brückner, who like Kuhn will step down at the end of the tournament, has a full squad to choose from with the exception of flu-victim Zdeněk Pospěch, and should start with Václav Svěrkoš and Stanislav Vlček either side of Jan Koller in a 4-3-3 formation.

Müller concern
Koller recently became the Czech Republic's all-time leading scorer, an achievement matched by Alexander Frei for Switzerland last week. Frei's availability after injury gives Switzerland a huge lift, as does the return of attacking midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta from an ankle problem. There is more concern over the side's third linchpin, Patrick Müller who is still not at full fitness having torn cruciate ligaments in December. Switzerland are a different team with the 31-year-old's steadying presence at centre-back and Kuhn will talk with him before deciding whether he plays. With Portugal and Turkey lying in wait in Group A, neither side can afford to fluff their lines on first night.

en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300682/report=pr.html

Head to Head
SUI - CZE
3 Played 3
1 Won 2
2 Lost 1
0 Drawn 0
5 Goals For 4
4 Goals Conceded 5

Match officials
Referee
Roberto Rosetti (ITA)
Assistant referee 1
Alessandro Griselli (ITA)
Assistant referee 2
Paolo Calcagno (ITA)
Fourth official
Stéphane Lannoy (FRA)
Reserve official
Alex Verstraeten (BEL)

[Terry]

Scolari talks tough ahead of Turkey test
by Pete Sanderson from Stade de Genève

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was in bullish mood on the eve of his side's opening UEFA EURO 2008™ Group A match against Turkey at the Stade de Genève.

'Winning mentality'
The charismatic Brazilian, who steered hosts Portugal to the final in the 2004 edition, said: "We have an extremely talented squad with a midfield which is the envy of almost every team in Europe. To do well at a tournament like this you have to believe you will be there until the bitter end. I know we are good enough to win this tournament, but right now we have to focus on the first match. We lost our first game against Greece four years ago and put a great deal of pressure on ourselves. A victory would be the perfect start to get us in the winning mood."

Brazilian blend
Scolari is no stranger to facing Turkey in the finals of a major tournament having twice encountered them during his tenure as Brazil coach at the FIFA World Cup in 2002. "I have a lot of respect for the Turkish team," he said. "They play like a South American team – fast-flowing football backed by a great coach [Fatih Terim]. Most people expect us to beat them but they forget Turkey lost very narrowly to my Brazil team in a World Cup semi-final. They are strong starters so we must be careful."

Ronaldo threat
Portugal are expected to play a 4-3-3 formation with Petit sitting in front of a defence of Bosingwa, Ricardo Carvalho, Pepe and Paulo Ferreira, allowing João Moutinho and Deco the freedom to push forward from midfield to support their attack. The major talking point in the Portuguese press concerns which of their wing quartet will provide the ammunition for lone striker Nuno Gomes. Scolari has toyed with the idea of using Ricardo Quaresma on the left but the smart money is on Simão to start there with Cristiano Ronaldo weaving his magic down the right.

Marking mission
Turkey coach Terim's biggest headache will be taming the seemingly unstoppable Ronaldo as he squares off against left-back Hakan Balta. "It's not about just one man marking him," said Terim. "You defend as a team and I am not going to criticise one player for failing to stop Ronaldo. He is the best player in the world but we have practised a number of systems which will help contain him."

Familiar look
Terim admitted that there will be no major surprises in his starting lineup. "We have a number of systems up our sleeve but we will not make any radical changes," he said. "We haven't beaten Portugal since 1955 but we have reversed the tide before and why not this time?" With Volkan Demirel's outstanding form for Fenerbahçe SK ensuring his selection ahead of Rüştü Reçber between the posts, and Nihat Kahveci now stepping into shoes of record scorer Hakan Şükür, Turkey are an entirely different proposition to the side Scolari got the better of in 2002. Perhaps this new generation are destined to end that 53-year wait for victory against Portugal.

en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300683/report=pr.html

Head to Head
POR - TUR
7 Played 7
6 Won 1
1 Lost 6
0 Drawn 0
16 Goals For 5
5 Goals Conceded 16

Match officials
Referee
Herbert Fandel (GER)
Assistant referee 1
Carsten Kadach (GER)
Assistant referee 2
Volker Wezel (GER)
Fourth official
Viktor Kassai (HUN)
Reserve official
Peter Hermans (BEL)

[Terry]

Switzerland party crashed by Svěrkoš
by Patrick Hart from St. Jakob-Park

Czech Republic substitute Václav Svěrkoš crashed the party for co-hosts Switzerland by scoring the only goal of the UEFA EURO 2008™ curtain-raiser in Basel.

Deflated
Svěrkoš struck after 71 minutes to defeat a home side already deflated by a knee injury to forward Alexander Frei. The closest the Swiss came to rescuing a Group A point was a late Johan Vonlanthen shot off the underside of the crossbar.

Bright start
If the opening ceremony did the traditional job of canning the host countries' best characteristics in an attractive package, the opening match started as anything but the typical cagey affair. There was a roar of anticipation when Switzerland captain Frei fired wide. Then Tranquillo Barnetta whipped in a cross to continue the frenzy. Valon Behrami was next to impress, outwitting Jaroslav Plašil and Marek Jankulovski before twice testing the Czech Republic's air defences.

End to end
But this was no siege. David Jarolím caused anxiety among the predominantly partisan home crowd with a cross-shot that back-tracking Diego Bengalio touched to safety. Jarolím's next act, however, was to lose a challenge to Behrami, providing the springboard for the midfielder to let fly a shot which Petr Čech parried. The deeper-lying Gökhan Inler took that as his cue to sidestep a defender and strike, albeit into Čech's arms.

Frei threat
It was a less intricate movement – a long thump forward unattended by Czech Republic centre-backs David Rozehnal and Tomáš Ujfaluši – which resulted in Switzerland's most incisive moment of the first half. Frei, his country's 35-goal leading scorer, darted between defenders and Čech but flicked his shot against the goalkeeper's legs. Jan Koller has long been to the Czechs what Frei is to the Swiss. The St. Jakob-Park crowd got a reminder of the totem's menace when he escaped markers Philippe Senderos and Patrick Müller and narrowly failed to connect with Plašil's dangerous delivery.

Agony
Back at the other end, Frei stung the hands of Čech from 20 metres after a loose ball had undone Karel Brückner's side. But when Frei's left knee was caught in a tangle with Zdeněk Grygera close to half-time, the effect to the co-hosts was a far greater body blow than the challenge itself. The 28-year-old BV Borussia Dortmund player left the field in tears. Just what home coach Köbi Kuhn did not need.

Yakin influence
The beginning of the second period brought some cheer. Hakan Yakin, on for Frei, announced his arrival by turning his markers and earning a free-kick which Barnetta placed centimetres too high. Then the ball just would not drop right for the No16 as he chested down Yakin's cross inside the area. Swiss passions stirred anew: Ludovic Magnin looped in a shot before Barnetta volleyed over from Stephan Lichtsteiner's inviting centre.

Super sub
But after Magnin was booked for a foul on Libor Sionko, the Czech Republic forward should have scored from Jankulovski's perfectly flighted free-kick. Yakin was no less guilty with a free header as he attempted to enhance his reputation as an impact substitute. Instead, Svěrkoš took on the role with 19 minutes remaining. Following a period of Czech pressure prompted by Sionko and Plašil, the striker latched on to Zdeněk Grygera's forward header to direct a cool, low finish to Benaglio's left – the 24-year-old's first international goal. A player from FC Baník Ostrava had just ruined Switzerland's big day.

en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300682/report=rp.html

Match Center

[Terry]

Scolari's men too strong for Turkey
by Simon Hart from Stade de Genève

Losers on the opening day four years ago, Portugal made a sure-footed start to UEFA EURO 2008™ as second-half strikes from Pepe and substitute Raul Meireles secured all three points against Turkey at the Stade de Genève.

Just deserts
It was a deserved victory for Luiz Felipe Scolari's men who also rattled the woodwork twice through Nuno Gomes. For Turkey, by contrast, defeat here continued their unhappy sequence of results against not just Portugal but also teams coached by Scolari – his Brazil beat them twice at the 2002 FIFA World Cup – and made Wednesday's Group A meeting with Switzerland a virtual eliminator.

Upwardly mobile
Portugal entered the tournament seeking to continue their upwards trajectory in European finals: quarter-finals in 1996, semi-finals in 2000 and runners-up in 2004. And they made the early running here, with Bosingwa hitting the outside of the post with a low cross inside two minutes. After 42 goals this season for Manchester United FC, Cristiano Ronaldo, understandably, found himself crowded by white shirts in the initial stages but his threat was evident from the game's first corner, delivered by Simão. Ronaldo appeared poised to strike only for Servet Çetin to produce a timely block. Portugal did get the ball in the net from another Simão corner in the 17th minute but Pepe's header was ruled out for offside.

Survivors
At the other end, Nihat Kahveci saw a free-kick in a promising position trickle behind off the Portugal wall. Nihat was one of only two survivors from Turkey's 2002 World Cup team in the starting lineup alongside Emre Belözoğlu, and he and his fellow forwards – Kazım Kazım and Mevlüt Erdinç, both playing their first competitive internationals – had scant opportunities in a first period controlled by Portugal. With the half-hour approaching, Simão curled a free-kick narrowly over and moments later there was a collective holding of the breath as Ronaldo cut inside to escape the shackles of Hakan Balta and proceeded to weave his way between three white shirts. If the finish was lacking, Ronaldo then drew a fine save from Volkan Demirel with a low free-kick driven in from the left. Although the ball bounced in front of Volkan, he managed to get a fingertip to it and touch it on to the far post.

Breakthrough
With João Moutinho also going close, it was no surprise Turkey coach Fatih Terim sought to tighten up his midfield for the second half, sending on Sabri Şarıoğlu. Yet Turkey were soon on the back foot once more. Simão dispossessed the dawdling Gökhan Zan and Nuno Gomes nipped in to fire the loose ball against the inside of the upright. After Gökhan, injured in that incident, limped off to be replaced by Emre Aşık, Portugal came again, Ronaldo shooting low at Volkan. The breakthrough finally came after 61 minutes. Pepe, carrying the ball forward with an assuredness not usually associated with centre-halves, played a one-two on the edge of the box with Nuno Gomes and burst through to finish past Volkan for his first international goal. Nuno Gomes nearly added a second soon after, only to see his header rebound off the crossbar. Turkey's hopes of snatching a late equaliser vanished with Tuncay's air shot before Meireles, also with a maiden Portugal goal, doubled the lead in added time, sliding the ball into an empty net after Moutinho's trickery had taken out Volkan.

en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300683/report=rp.html

MatchCenter

[Terry]

Austria aware of Croatian threat
by Chris Burke from Vienna

They are already proving excellent co-hosts, but can the Austrians also impress where it matters most? Josef Hickersberger's side begin their UEFA EURO 2008™ bid on Sunday knowing Group B rivals Croatia would love nothing more than to spoil the party at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion in Vienna.

'Optimistic'
Ranked 92nd in the world by FIFA, Austria are under no illusion about their underdog status, but Hickersberger promised his players would rise to meet the challenge. "I'm optimistic we're going to play well against Croatia," the coach said. "We have no injuries, all the players are 100 per cent fit and in good health, and they all believe in the possibility of creating a surprise. Our opponents are excellent and experienced, but we've set ourselves a goal. For the first time in 18 years, we want to win a match in a major tournament."

First appearance
Their last success in a major finals came against the United States at the 1990 FIFA World Cup, when Hickerberger was also sitting in the dugout, and the 60-year-old is targeting a berth in the last eight as Austria make their first-ever appearance in the continental showcase. "We want to win this match and we have to win a match if we're to fulfil our goal of reaching the quarter-finals," he explained. "We have three chances to do that, starting now, but as for our tactics, that will depend on the strengths and weaknesses of both sides."

Goalkeeping debate
Cagey as ever, the former Austrian international also refused yet again to name his first-choice goalkeeper. Alex Manninger and Jürgen Macho have both been tipped by various local newspapers, and Hickerberger joked that at least some of them were on the right track. "I will announce the lineup tomorrow before the match," he said. "But you can read the name of the goalkeeper in many newspapers. I hope they've got it right." What seems less debateable, on the other hand, is that Austrian-Croatian Andreas Ivanschitz will start in midfield, while Croatian-born striker Ivica Vastic will begin on the bench.

Eduardo motivation
There are no doubts about Slaven Bilić's Croatia lineup, meanwhile, with the creative spark likely to come from playmaker Luka Modrić, while Ivica Olić will partner Mladen Petrić up front. They will look to provide the goals in the absence of injured striker Eduardo da Silva, but Bilić denied that their job will be to help Croatia's fans forget the Brazilian-born forward. "We're very motivated because of Eduardo," he said. "He's very popular with the other players. No one can replace him but we're confident of getting good results."

No complacency
The Croats certainly go into the tournament with higher expectations after topping qualifying Group E ahead of Russia, England and Israel. They have also beaten Austria in all three meeting between the two sides, including a 4-1 triumph in Vienna two years ago. Bilić ruled out the possibility of complacency, however, stating: "We think we can go far. But right now, we're not even thinking about the second match. We're totally focused on Austria. The first match is so important in terms of confidence and our players are highly motivated and ready to go."

en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300684/report=pr.html

AUT - CRO
3 Played 3
1 Won 2
2 Lost 1
0 Drawn 0
3 Goals For 5
5 Goals Conceded 3

Match officials
Referee
Pieter Vink (NED)
Assistant referee 1
Adriaan Inia (NED)
Assistant referee 2
Hans ten Hoove (NED)
Reserve official
Dimitris Bozatzidis (GRE)
Fourth official
Kristinn Jakobsson (ISL)

[Terry]

Beenhakker hopes to lead victory dance
by John Mathews from Klagenfurt

Poland coach Leo Beenhakker believes his team are ready to rewrite the record books in their first match in the European finals when they face one of the UEFA EURO 2008™ big guns, Germany, in Klagenfurt on Sunday.

Neuville winner
The Dutchman is confident ahead of the Group B encounter at Wörthersee Stadion, despite the fact that Poland have never before qualified for the UEFA European Championship, nor beaten their western neighbours in any of their previous 15 meetings. They last faced each other at the 2006 FIFA World Cup – when Beenhakker was coaching Trinidad & Tobago – and the eventual semifinalists Germany got the better of the contest in Dortmund, as substitute Oliver Neuville scored the winner in added time to give the tournament hosts a 1-0 victory.

History lesson
In an entertaining and colourful pre-match press conference, Beenhakker said: "I know that have never won against Germany, but what we can also say about history is that the two teams have never met each other in this tournament. We know that in 1996 Germany were champions, but since then they have not won any matches at all in the EURO finals. We're talking about history, and I did my homework."

Nothing changes
Beenhakker, who lost third-choice goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak and midfielder Jakub Błaszczykowski to injury in the build-up to the finals, said: "We will have our usual preparation, like we did for the qualifying matches. We won't be doing different things just because we are at the EUROs now, and it's not like we will walk around the park naked or something. We have our normal programme – and then we will go [singing] tra-la-la to the stadium. We will play 'tra-la-la' but I don't know if we will be still 'tra-la-la' after the game."

Poland 'outstanding'
Germany coach Joachim Löw was assistant to Jϋrgen Klinsmann when the teams met at the World Cup, and he has noted Poland's healthy progress during Beenhakker's reign in the intervening period. "Compared to 2006, Poland today have a much stronger team," said Löw of opponents who qualified as Group A winners. "They have improved and they played extraordinarily well during the qualifying round. I was impressed with how strong they are and how adventurous they are. They play a very consistent game. When it comes to their compactness, desire and will to win, I think they are outstanding."

'Dictate the pace'
Löw, who was happy to report that all 23 of his players are fit for the match, said: "We know about the strengths of the Polish team, but I believe that if we can implement what we know and, if we can dictate the pace on the pitch, we will be able to play and do so quite daringly." Löw said he will sleep easily in his "comfortable bed" at the squad's hotel before making his team selection.

en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300685/report=pr.html

GER - POL
14 Played 14
10 Won 0
0 Lost 10
4 Drawn 4
25 Goals For 7
7 Goals Conceded 25

Match officials
Referee
Tom Henning Øvrebø (NOR)
Assistant referee 1
Geir Åge Holen (NOR)
Assistant referee 2
Jan Petter Randen (NOR)
Fourth official
Craig Thomson (SCO)
Reserve official
Dimitris Saraidaris (GRE)

[Terry]

Modrić penalty undoes gutsy Austria
by Trevor Haylett from Ernst-Happel-Stadion

Austria went the same way as co-hosts Switzerland, opening their UEFA EURO 2008™ challenge with a narrow defeat as Luka Modrić's early penalty gave Croatia victory in Vienna.

Fastest penalty
The midfielder scored the only goal of the first Group B game in the fourth minute, firing in after Ivica Olić had been brought down by René Aufhauser – the fastest penalty converted in the history of the finals. The home side took time to find their feet after that setback, but mounted a stirring late charge with substitute Roman Kienast heading centimetres past the post seconds before the whistle.

Dreadful start
Coach Josef Hickersberger ended the goalkeeper conundrum by selecting Jürgen Macho ahead of Alex Manninger but, with three minutes and 35 seconds on the clock, the Austria No21 was forced to pick the ball out of the net following the worst of starts. Modrić showed outstanding control to keep an attack alive down the left and found Olić, who was blocked by Aufhauser as he attempted to go outside the midfielder. Modrić slotted in the spot-kick with aplomb, driving down the centre of goal with Macho diving to his right.

Set-piece threat
With an entire nation having worked themselves into a fever of anticipation, it was a blow that could have shattered Austrian morale. For Slaven Bilić's men, meanwhile, the immediate breakthrough settled Croatian nerves and there was an assured control about their football. The home team looked vulnerable every time Croatia forced a set-piece, Darijo Srna's delivery proving impeccable. It left Martin Stranzl and company overworked and little was happening at the other end to lift local spirits, although Sebastian Prödl shot wide from distance with Stipe Pletikosa watching it all the way. The Austria defender then rose highest to meet a corner but his effort flew beyond the far upright.

Austria regroup
After Mladen Petrić had rushed a volley, sending the ball off target, Austria finally began to assert themselves and proved they could get behind the Croatia back line. Martin Harnik gathered a ball played incisively inside the full-back and his cut-back prompted some hurried defensive measures from Josip Šimunić before a long diagonal pass found Joachim Standfest, who could not place his header on target.

Harnik outlet
Austria kicked off the second half where they had left off with Harnik, a focal point for their progress down the right, bursting beyond his marker and it was unfortunate Aufhauser could not connect with the hard-driven centre. From a similar position moments later, Harnik put too much power into his cross and the chance went begging. Perhaps inspired, Modrić went on a right-sided excursion of his own, and Stranzl had to call on all his experience to avert the danger. Austria then brought on the championship's oldest player, the 38-year-old Ivica Vastic, in a bid to rescue the situation.

Late flurry
With another substitute, Ümit Korkmaz, adding a vital spark, Austria threw everything at Croatia in a rousing finale, Harnik shooting too high when well-placed and Pletikosa almost fumbling a Vastic header. The Croatia goalkeeper then had to push aside Korkmaz's fierce drive but he was a spectator in added time as Kienast met a left-wing free-kick with a header that flew just wide as Austria's last chance went begging. Croatia continue their campaign against Germany in Klagenfurt on Thursday, when Austria will hope for better fortune against Poland in this stadium.

en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300684/report=rp.html

Match Center

[Terry]

Podolski double gets Germany going
by John Mathews from Wörthersee Stadion

An emotional Lukas Podolski struck in either half to give Germany an ideal start to their UEFA EURO 2008™ Group B campaign with victory against debutants Poland in Klagenfurt.

Star turn
The Polish-born FC Bayern München forward produced a vintage display as the three-time European champions recorded a solid win, putting Germany in front with a simple finish midway through the first half. Poland, in their first EURO finals match, pressed for a way back into the game but struggled to unpick Germany's defence and Podolski finally ended their hopes with an emphatic volley.

Krzynówek chance
With national pride and neighbourly rivalry adding an extra frisson and both sides keen to make a positive start there was plenty at stake, and it was Poland who began the brighter as they went in search of a first victory against Germany. Leo Beenhakker's team came close in the opening minute when Jens Lehmann got tangled up with Per Mertesacker while trying to deal with a high cross and the ball fell invitingly to Jacek Krzynówek, but the VfL Wolfsburg midfielder blazed over.

Gómez goes close
Germany responded in kind to signal their own intent, and should have opened the scoring after Michael Ballack sprang the Poland offside trap to release Miroslav Klose into an ocean of space down the left. The Mannschaft's other Polish-born striker bore down on Artur Boruc's goal but elected to pass and Mario Gómez was unable to make a proper connection at full stretch with the goalkeeper stranded, the ball slipping narrowly the wrong side of the post.

Podolski opener
Germany looked the stronger team as the first half unfolded and duly went ahead in the 20th minute after again catching their opponents flat-footed at the back. Gómez sent Klose clear on the right and this time the square pass was perfectly delivered, leaving Podolski to tuck the ball neatly past Boruc. Head bowed and unsmiling, the scorer denied himself a true celebration out of respect for his heritage. Maciej Żurawski might have levelled while Gómez could have increased the German advantage with a clever flick, yet half-time came with no change to the scoreline.

Poland rally
Ballack could have strengthened Germany's position two minutes into the second period but his attempt skewed awkwardly off his thigh. Poland were far from out of it, however, maintaining a healthy share of possession without making significant inroads, while their supporters behind the goal provided plenty of encouragement. Those fans were further heartened as substitute Roger Guerreiro made some surging runs down the left, then Euzebiusz Smolarek had an effort ruled out for offside.

Clinching second
The alert Boruc tipped over Ballack's well-struck attempt but was powerless to prevent Podoski sealing the points in the 72nd minute – few goalkeepers would have kept it out. A swift passing move was cut off by Paweł Golański yet substitute Bastian Schweinsteiger dispossessed the defender and, although Klose missed his kick, Podolski showed how it should be done with a sweet left-foot volley. This time he allowed himself a satisfied smile and he was fully entitled to it having given Germany their first finals win since the Czech Republic were defeated in the EURO '96™ showpiece. Poland's long wait to overcome Germany continues but they next face co-hosts Austria on Thursday, when Germany play today's other winners Croatia.

en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300685/report=rp.html

MatchCenter

[Terry]

Piţurcă faces Romania credibility gap
by Matthew Spiro from Zurich

The task facing Romania over the next fortnight is perhaps the most daunting of all the UEFA EURO 2008™ finalists', yet coach Victor Piţurcă remains convinced his emerging side have enough quality to hold their own in arguably the toughest group of all.

Fine campaign
Romania have been rewarded for their fine qualification campaign with a place in Group C alongside traditional giants France, Italy and the Netherlands. Competing in their first finals for eight years, the Tricolorii have been labelled by many as outsiders to reach the quarter-finals, but Piţurcă hopes to change that view by springing a surprise against Les Bleus in Zurich. "When you look at the four teams it's understandable that people say we're underdogs," the 52-year-old said. "Our aim is to start changing those opinions."

Almighty challenge
The former FC Steaua Bucureşti striker is enjoying his second spell at the Romania helm, having guided his country through a successful UEFA EURO 2000™ qualifying attempt only to miss out on the finals, and he accepts his men have an almighty challenge. "I don't know if it's the hardest group there's ever been but when you're pooled with the two [FIFA] World Cup finalists and the Netherlands, you know it won't be easy." Of Monday's opponents, Piţurcă added: "France are a great team – the best in the world along with Brazil, Argentina and Italy. But Romania also have pedigree and we'll have our say in the group."

Goian boost
Romania's chances of claiming their first victory over France for 36 years, and a fourth in eleven encounters, were boosted by the news that Dorin Goian is fit to take his place alongside Gabriel Tamaş in central defence, meaning a midfield role for Cristian Chivu. VfB Stuttgart's Ciprian Marica should get the nod to partner Adrian Mutu in attack, although Piţurcă is "still considering one or two different options".

Toulalan role
France coach Raymond Domenech also has selection puzzles to solve, with captain Patrick Vieira struggling with a thigh strain and Thierry Henry carrying a minor injury. The former Under-21 coach refuses to give anything away, although it is understood Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Jérémy Toulalan will take Vieira's place, while Henry could cede his striking position to Nicolas Anelka despite training at the Letzigrund Stadion on Sunday for the first time in four days. "At this moment the state of health of all 23 players is as good as I could have hoped for on the eve of a major tournament," Domenech said.

Domenech nerves
After four years in the France dugout, the 56-year-old has acquired considerable experience, yet he admits to suffering pre-tournament nerves. "I'm worried about everything," Domenech said. "As a coach you wonder if you've done everything possible to prepare your team, and even if you have, you don't know what will happen. We'll be up against three good teams who all want to eliminate us so there's always a worry that you might get swept aside." The ex-Lyon defender is not underestimating Romania, highlighting the point by comparing them to the world champions: "Of the sides we've played recently, Romania's style is closest to Italy's. They combine individual talent with organisation and discipline. I'm expecting a very hard match."

en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300687/report=pr.html

ROU - FRA
10 Played 10
3 Won 6
6 Lost 3
1 Drawn 1
12 Goals For 14
14 Goals Conceded 12

Match officials
Referee
Manuel Mejuto González (ESP)
Assistant referee 1
Juan Carlos Yuste Jiménez (ESP)
Assistant referee 2
Jesús Calvo Guadamuro (ESP)
Fourth official
Olegário Benquerença (POR)
Reserve assistant referee
Darren Cann (ENG)

[Terry]

World champions start continental quest
by Paul Saffer from Berne

Just once, eight years ago, have the FIFA World Cup holders won the ensuing UEFA European Championship. Italy, beaten in that 2000 final, begin their bid to emulate France on Monday against a Netherlands team confident they can overcome the absence of Arjen Robben.

Burden
Azzurri coach Roberto Donadoni succeeded Marcello Lippi after the 2006 World Cup victory in Germany and, as he considered the Netherlands encounter in Berne, as well as the subsequent Group C tests against Romania and France, he admitted that their exalted status could be a burden. "When a side are world champions, there are obviously expectations," Donadoni said. "People think that because you won the World Cup it is a guarantee that you are going to win. But it happens at club as well as international level – you can win the UEFA Champions League but it doesn't mean you will win it again. Every time there is a different winner and it is very difficult to repeat victories."

Materazzi favoured
The captain from 2006, Fabio Cannavaro, is out with an ankle injury and Marco Materazzi is favourite to take his place alongside Andrea Barzagli in central defence while Antonio Di Natale could beat the squad's new skipper, Alessandro Del Piero, to a start on the left of the attack. Christian Panucci did tweak a knee tendon on Friday but Donadoni – who was still experimenting with different lineups in Sunday training – said the right-back has "no problem" now. As for Italy's opponents, Donadoni said: "The Netherlands did well in qualifying and have some interesting players with plenty of skill, so we have taken that into consideration. It is not going to be easy." He added: "I think the Netherlands team are helped by the fans all dressing in orange – you really notice them. Aesthetically, it is beautiful."

Van Persie hope
Donadoni's former AC Milan club-mate Marco van Basten, who was already without Ryan Babel for the tournament, lost winger Robben to a groin injury which the Netherlands coach said looks likely to rule him out for "at least seven days" – including for the France game on 13 June. However, Robin van Persie is training again after a thigh complaint and may yet pip Ibrahim Afellay or Dirk Kuyt to selection. Right-back Mario Melchiot, meanwhile, has recovered from a pubic bone problem. Van Basten said: "Robben is an important player – it is a disadvantage that he is not playing. But we played a lot of qualifying matches without Arjen and other players, so we are still capable of getting a good result."

'Difficult job'
Not that it will be easy against Italy, whom the Netherlands have not defeated since 1978. "Two years ago they were world champions and they still have mostly the same players," the Oranje trainer continued. "It is going to be a difficult job for us and the group will be difficult with France and Romania. We will have to perform very well but we will give it a try."

en.euro2008.uefa.com/tournament/matches/match=300686/report=pr.html

NED - ITA
15 Played 15
2 Won 7
7 Lost 2
6 Drawn 6
15 Goals For 22
22 Goals Conceded 15

Match officials
Referee
Peter Fröjdfeldt (SWE)
Assistant referee 1
Stefan Wittberg (SWE)
Assistant referee 2
Henrik Andrén (SWE)
Fourth official
Damir Skomina (SVN)
Reserve assistant referee
Michael Mullarkey (ENG)