On the whole
another poor display in this final Euro 2000
qualifier against Switzerland. Wales kept the 4-4-2
formation that was used against Belarus with
Robert Page partnering Chris Coleman in the heart
of defence, and Mark Delaney winning his first
cap at right-back. John Oster came in to replace
Ryan Giggs on the left, whilst Robbie Savage
returned to replace the injured Mark Pembridge.
Dean Saunders once again partnered Nathan Blake
upfront.
In the first half
poor defending left Alexandre Rey unmarked and he
headed home from close range. The only worthwhile
chance for Wales came from a Nathan Blake run and
cross which was meet by Dean Saunders, but he
failed to connect properly and guided the ball
wide of the far post.
Early in the
second half Nathan Blake headed over the bar from
a John Oster cross, before the Swiss broke away
after a Wales corner to score with a Patrik
Bulhmann back heel. After that neither keeper was
really tested in a poor game.
Key moments |
|
First Half |
12 mins:
A late run into the box by John Robinson
saw him bounce a snap shot on to the
angle of the bar. |
15 mins:
From a Sesa free-kick Hodel got a free
header eight yards out from which Paul
Jones made a superb one-handed save by
his left hand post. |
17 mins:
Buhlmann's corner was nodded back at the
far by Haas, and an unmarked Rey headed
the ball home six yards. |
40 mins:
Nathan Blake broke away down the left,
his low cross reached Dean Saunders who
placed his shot wide of the far post. |
|
Half time score
1-1 |
|
Second Half |
52 mins A
John Oster cross from inside the box on
the left, was meet by Nathan Blake who
headed the ball over the bar. |
59 mins
Zuberbuhler hurled the ball out to Di
Jorio on the left, who then raced down
field unchallenged, he then crossed to
Buhlmann who was challenged by Paul Jones
and John Robinson, the ball then broke
lose to Buhlmann again who's clever back
heel rolled into an empty net. |
|