A second-half strike by substitute Vaclav Sverkos gave Czech Republic a barely deserved 1-0 victory over co-hosts Switzerland in the EURO 2008 opener on Saturday. The Banik Ostrava striker scored the winner in the 70th minute to stun the home crowd, who hoped their country would get off to a winning start. Portugal, the 2004 runners-up, face Turkey in the other Group A game later in the day. Swiss Dominance Switzerland were the better side in the first-half. They were largely helped by Alexander Frei's relentless efforts. On the other hand, Czech Republic lacked creativity in midfield and giant striker Jan Koller was obviously isolated upfront. Frei, who posed the greatest threat to Petr Cech, had the first effort after three minutes when his right-footed low shot went just wide of the post. Czech had to thank superb goalie Cech for denying the hosts a deserved opener in the 21st minute. A long ball caught Czech defenders napping and went into the path of Frei inside the area. However, a perfectly-timed intervention from Cech helped him block Frei's close-range shot. Frei once again tried his luck from distance in the 36th minute but Cech palmed away his powerful shot. Frei Out
Switzerland's hopes were dealt a huge blow after Frei sustained what looked like a serious injury few minutes before halftime. The 28-year-old limped off the pitch in tears and was replaced by Young Boys striker Hakan Yakin. The 31-year-old Yakin came close to putting Switzerland in front six minutes past the hour mark. Stephan Lichtsteiner's cross from the right found the unmarked Yakin, whose free header narrowly missed the target. Despite Switzerland's complete dominance, Czech managed to grab the lead against the run of play through Sverkos, who replaced the ineffective Koller in the second half. In the 70th minute, Switzerland players poorly clear a corner, allowing an opposing header to divert the ball back to the 18-yard box. Sverkos was the quickest to react as he ran onto the header, beat the offside trap and notched home with the outside of his right foot. Switzerland were unlucky not to claim at least a draw. Ten minutes from time, Tranquillo Barnetta's shot from the edge of the area was superbly blocked by Cech. The ball went into the path of striker Johan Vonlanthen, whose effort struck the crossbar. Switzerland had two penalty claims waved away by referee Roberto Rosetti after Czech defender Tomas Ujfalusi apparently handled the ball twice in the area.
