Hakan Yakin scored twice yesterday to give Switzerland a 2-0 win over Portugal, helping the co-host end its European Championship with a first ever win at the tournament.
With Portugal already through to the quarterfinals as Group A winner and the Swiss eliminated after two losses, Yakin opened the scoring after a flicked pass by fellow striker Eren Derdiyok in the 71st minute. He shot through the legs of goalkeeper Ricardo from about 14 metres.
Yakin added his second goal from the penalty spot in the 83rd after Fernando Meira was adjudged to have fouled substitute Tranquillo Barnetta.
It sealed Switzerland’s first win in three European Championship appearances, albeit against a Portugal team that rested eight starters including Cristiano Ronaldo and Deco.
Switzerland almost stumbled into the lead in the second half when Derdiyok’s cross was bundled just past the post by defender Pepe, who nearly scored an own goal. The home side came even closer in the 65th as Gokhan Inler hit the outside of the post with a rocket from 25 metres.
Portugal, which was runner-up four years ago and reached the final four of the 2006 World Cup in Germany, will play Austria, Germany or Poland in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
* * *
Switzerland: Pascal Zuberbuehler, Stephan Lichtsteiner (Stephane Grichting, 83), Philippe Senderos, Patrick Mueller, Ludovic Magnin, Valon Behrami, Gokhan Inler, Gelson Fernandes, Johan Vonlanthen (Tranquillo Barnetta, 61), Eren Derdiyok, Hakan Yakin (Ricardo Cabanas, 86).
Portugal: Ricardo, Paulo Ferreira (Jorge Ribeiro, 41), Bruno Alves, Pepe, Fernando Meira, Miguel, Raul Meireles, Miguel Veloso (Joao Moutinho, 71), Nani, Ricardo Quaresma, Helder Postiga (Hugo Almeida, 74).
Scorer: Yakin 71, 83pen
Referee: Plautz (Austria)