Henchoz promises Ireland backlash

SWITZERLAND coach Koebi Kuhn refused to panic despite the threat of his side missing out on even a play-off spot for the 2004 European Championship finals following a 4-1 defeat to Russia.

Victory in Moscow on Wednesday would have booked a place in next summer's finals for the Swiss and Kuhn's side now need three points at home to Ireland on October 11 to finish top of Group 10. If Brian Kerr's side win they will progress to a play-off at the very worst.

Switzerland continue to lead the table with 12 points from seven games with Russia, who play Georgia next month, and Ireland a point adrift.

That leaves the prospect of Switzerland missing out altogether if they are beaten by Ireland and Russia avoiding defeat to Georgia in Moscow on the same night.

"We accept the defeat and now we will look forward," Kuhn said yesterday. "We lost to a clearly better opponent, but we still have another game against Ireland," he said.

Defender Stephane Henchoz, the stand-in captain in Moscow, was heavily criticised by Swiss media following a disappointing defensive display in Moscow.

The Liverpool centre-back accepted a portion of the blame but vowed to put things right in Basel and ensure Switzerland do not miss out on a play-off spot at the least.

"Four-one is a heavy defeat and that hurts," said Henchoz. "In the friendly match against France and this game we have played only 20 good minutes out of 180. It is insufficient.

Midfielder Ricardo Cabanas will miss the Irish visit after being dismissed in Russia and the injured midfielder Hakan Yakin is likely to be absent again following groin surgery.

Russia earned rave reviews in the Swiss media yesterday, as newspapers in Zurich and Geneva reflected on their national team's 4-1 defeat in Moscow on Wednesday.

"Shipwrecked" was the reaction of 24 Heures. "Overpowered by a Giant" said Le Temps. "Four Goals is the

Going Rate in Moscow" headlined

Le Matin, referring to Switzerland's defeat in Russia (4-0) three years ago.

"If these Russians, with their technique and speed, don't qualify, something is crazy in the world of football," suggested Le Temps. According to 24 Heures, Switzerland are running out of steam. "To beat Ireland would be a real achievement," it said.

Speaking to Le Temps, Patrick Muller was critical of his team's failure. "A serious side does not lose 4-1 after taking the lead. We gave Russia too many gifts. Against Ireland we must battle harder."

Manager Kuhn continued to look on the bright side of life. "We still have a second match point. It's up to us to convert it against Ireland," said the Swiss boss, who congratulated Russia on a superb display.

But will playmaker Hakan Yakin be back from injury to face Ireland next month? Big brother Murat Yakin thinks he will. "We have a match to win to top the group," he told Le Temps. "And Hakan will be there."

The way Le Matin sees it, he'd better be. "Come back, soon, Hakan your country needs you," the paper concluded its coverage of Switzerland's first defeat in Group 10.

Meanwhile, UEFA will decide at their executive committee meeting next week on the format of the draw for the Euro 2004 qualifying play-offs. The runners-up from the 10 qualifying groups will play off over two legs in November for a place at next year's finals in Portugal.

UEFA will decide next Wednesday and Thursday if teams will be seeded in the draw.