Vogel confident of proving fitness

Switzerland midfielder Johann Vogel handed coach Kobi Kuhn a major boost today when he promised that he will be fit for Sunday’s Euro 2004 opener against Croatia.

The PSV Eindhoven star arrived in Portugal on Monday with a thigh injury, and although he was always expected to shake off the problem in time for the clash with Otto Baric’s men in Leiria, he today insisted that there is no doubt.

“I am still not at 100%, but it was much better today,” he said after warming up with his team-mates before working with medical staff as the rest of the group trained normally. “I’ll be ready against Croatia.”

That will come as a relief to Kuhn, who was forced to leave Marco Streller, Leonard Thurre and Johann Lonfat behind at home through injury.

The Swiss squad trained twice today at their five-star Praia Del Rey Hotel base and then the Estadio Municipal in Obidos halfway between Lisbon and Leiria, although veteran striker Stephane Chapuisat, who will win his 102nd cap on Sunday, admitted that they are being careful as the big kick-off approaches.

“There is no use in risking injuries after we’ve played so much, but things like shooting practice are good fun,” he told www.uefa.com.

Switzerland arrived in Portugal after a less than convincing 1-0 victory over lowly Liechtenstein in their final warm-up game, hardly the ideal preparation for a match which could hold the key to their progression from Group B.

With England and reigning champions France waiting in the wings, they know three points on Sunday could be vital to their hopes, although Croatia too will fancy their chances.

Baric’s side ended their friendly campaign with a 2-1 win – their third in succession – over Denmark in Copenhagen and are confident of making an impact this summer.

Croatia are based at Estalgem do Sorraia close to Couco, some 90km north-east of Lisbon, and after enjoying a warm welcome, have got down to the serious business of preparing for the weekend.

“I want to thank our hosts here in the camp,” Baric told www.uefa.com. “The welcome was very nice and we are feeling excellent.

“Yesterday we had our first training session and everything went fine. From today we are going to work on tactics for the first game against Switzerland.”

The Croatians have minor injury worries over Ancona midfielder Milan Rapaic and CSKA Moscow striker Ivica Olic, while Juventus defender Igor Tudor is suspended after being sent off in the second leg of the play-off victory over Slovenia.