Switzerland star player: Alexander Frei
What is your aim at the finals?
The minimum goal has to be the quarter-finals. Our group is a hard one. Portugal are a wonderful team, with world-class talent such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco and Ricardo Quaresma. The Czechs have a great record in this competition. And after the trouble the last time we met, the Turks will definitely be highly motivated to wipe us out. Everything is possible, from an early exit to the title itself. I’m an optimist. I can imagine us in the last four or even in the Final. I’m not one to talk of the joys of competing. I want to win. I was criticised when I said before the 2006 World Cup that I was aiming for the title. Understatement is not for me.
Why so upbeat?
Playing at home with the crowd and the whole nation behind us could be decisive. I remember what happened in Germany two years ago. They weren’t given a chance initially but once they began to win, the euphoria kicked in and the team responded. I’m not complacent; you must still deliver on the pitch. But home advantage is just that, an important plus. The other reason I’m confident is because of our unity. Many of our team have played together for years, coming through from the national schoolboy ranks.
Switzerland’s results in warm-up games have not been particularly impressive, though.
Journalists tend to see everything in black or white. I’m not saying it’s gone without a hitch. It clearly hasn’t. But we are talking about a period in which we’ve had a lot of injuries and have experimented with tactical variations and new players.
How important are these finals to Swiss football?
It’s a key moment for our game. In the past 15 years or so, we’ve made good progress. We’ve put in place an exceptional youth set-up, and our junior teams have produced some excellent results. Now the senior side must build on those foundations in a tournament held in our own land. Like in tennis, we want to show we can win the big points and make it to a quarter or semi-final.
Who are your favourites to win the title?
France, who incidentally have a lot of problems dealing with us, plus Italy and Germany, who are the “tournament teams”. The Germans are unique. They don’t have the best talent but always play with incredible amounts of heart and will to win.
You haven’t long been back after months on the sidelines with various injuries. Do you fear not being match-fit for the finals?
It’s true I’m still searching for my best form since returning. But that’s normal after such a long lay-off. There’s enough time for me to regain all my sharpness.
How did your prolonged absence affect your role as national team captain?
Sitting in the stand while you should be on the pitch was torture. But I kept good contact with the squad and we could discuss things.
Does losing on penalties to Ukraine in the World Cup still hurt?
Yes, Ukraine were the worst team in the last 16. If we’d gone through, we would have faced Italy and I’m convinced we’d have given them many problems. At Euro 2008 we hope to do better.
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