Frei ready to serve an ace
(not sure if this should be here or World Football - mods feel free to move)
from http://www.uefa.com/competitions/Wor...Id=349194.html
Somewhat against the odds, Switzerland lead Group 4 entering the final week of FIFA World Cup qualifying, and they can strike a decisive blow en route to Germany 2006 by overcoming second-placed France in Berne on Saturday.
French impression
If they are to do that, there could be a starring role for striker Alexander Frei. Having top-scored in Ligue 1 with Stade Rennais FC last season, the talismanic No9 has proved he has the ability to hit French defences where it hurts.
Enviable position
Even so, the forward is surprised his side have the chance to eclipse France at this late stage of qualifying. "I always knew our team had the ability to qualify for the World Cup," he told uefa.com. "But I wouldn't have expected to be leading the standings with two matches to go."
Strong performances
A goalless draw in France on 26 March has helped keep Raymond Domenech's men at bay, but other results have been equally crucial. "We have done well against the smaller nations and that's why we are still on track for qualification," he said. "But the best will come on Saturday.
Decisive matches
"In the past we have played very well at home in 'must-win' games," he added. "We achieved automatic qualification for [UEFA] EURO 2004™ by beating the Republic of Ireland 2-0 two years ago. I'm sure we can be stronger than France, maybe not in the long run but certainly on the day."
Yakin absent
The 26-year-old remains confident of a notable Swiss success even though Hakan Yakin has not been called up. The playmaker's absence may harm the supply lines to Frei, but he insists Jakob Kuhn's side can do without the talented Yakin. "We have played without him before," he shrugged.
Swiss celebrity
However, it was always going to be Frei rather than Yakin that the French would be nervous about. Despite Rennes enduring a difficult start to their domestic campaign, Frei's goalscoring threat is well known among Domenech's squad and he is undoubtedly the most famous Swiss footballer in France.
Bigger picture
"Of course, it is nice to be respected in such a big football nation and it makes sense as I have done well there," he explained. "But Switzerland doesn't consist only of Alex Frei. Raymond Domenech is such a great coach that he is sure to be well-informed about all our players."
Modest striker
Whether the coach can neutralise Frei remains to be seen. With 22 goals in 38 internationals, he will take some stopping. The Swiss already regard him as a phenomenon, although Frei is modest about his abilities, saying only: "I know that I can play a bit of football."
'Match points'
Yet when it comes to characterising Saturday's match, another sport springs to Frei's mind. "I compare the situation to a tennis match," he said. "We have two match points now and I am sure we can qualify as the No1 team in our group."
