Frei record boosts co-hosts' morale

Frei record boosts co-hosts' morale





Switzerland 3-0 Liechtenstein
UEFA EURO 2008™ co-hosts Switzerland came through their last pre-tournament warm-up against neighbours Liechtenstein in comfortable style on a night when Alexander Frei became his country's all-time leading scorer.
Frei record
Frei was one behind Kubilay Türkyilmaz's record tally of 34 goals at kick-off but within 31 minutes had not only equalled it but overtaken the mark to the delight of the sell-out 18,000 crowd in the new St Gallen stadium. Johan Vonlanthen, who four years ago set a record as the youngest ever UEFA European Championship finals goalscorer, volleyed a third in the 68th minute to set up Switzerland nicely for their 7 June opener against the Czech Republic in Basel.

Unchanged lineup
Perhaps significantly ahead of that Group A game, Switzerland coach Jakob Kuhn started with exactly the same players as in the 2-0 defeat of Slovakia six days ago, though Tranquillo Barnetta is likely to contend for Vonlanthen's position in left midfield as he returns from injury. Frei came close early on and although Diego Benaglio was then tested, the BV Borussia Dortmund striker opened the scoring with a header. Only seven minutes later, the outright record was Frei's with a shot through the legs of Peter Jehle.

Clincher
Although Liechtenstein began the second half brightly, Switzerland extended their lead midway through the half when Frei and substitute Hakan Yakin produced a fine passing move completed by a Vonlanthen volley. Switzerland coach Jakob Kuhn paid tribute to Frei, saying: "He deserved to beat [the record]. He's coming out of a bad time with injuries but he's never stopped fighting."

Switzerland: Benaglio, Lichtsteiner (Degen 59), Müller, Senderos (Grichting 62), Magnin (Spycher 71), Behrami (Gygax 55), Inler, Fernandes (Huggel 86), Vonlanthen, Frei, Streller (Yakin 59).

Liechtenstein: Jehle, Oehri (D Hasler 83), Gerster, Martin Stocklasa, Burgmeier, Ritzberger, Polverino, M Büchel, Rohrer (R Beck 65), Fischer (T Beck 65), Frick (R Büchel 83).