The cycling race through Switzerland came to a close. The Portuguese cyclist Faria Da Costa beat Schleck (Luxembourgish) to be first overall. However it was Kangert of Estonia who won the 9th and final stage, winning points at various places so coming 3rd in the points total with Sagan (Slovakian) coming top.
The first stage of the race started in Lugano , South Switzerland near the Italy border. It then headed west and around the border to the north past Aarau (stage 5). I have put together some pics from the webcam which shows the ride from just outside of Aarau over the hills and down to Frick.
The Tour then went east again. Then stage 7 more in the middle round Gossau, then back to round the border for stage 8 to Arosa. Then finally: stage 9 which Kangert won through the middle of Switzerland from Näfels-Lintharena to Sörenberg. All route maps, times etc can be found at www.tourdesuisse.ch, in German, French and English. Also the article about stage 9 can be found here
The final km of the 9th stage can be viewed here:
This photo of Kangert winning the stage... along with other photos can be found here (Steephill.tv website)
(Interesting fact is that Switzerland used to play the same tune as England for sporting events. Although of course had different lyrics instead of God Save the Queen. They changed in the 1980s so no confusion tonight).
This was always going to be an interesting match. If England won then Montenegro would have to be Slovenia by at least 2 more than England beat Switzerland. If Switzerland won then they would hope Slovenia would stop Montenegro winning.
A warm day turned to heavy rain showers, but people still queued up at the ticket office to get in. The match was even delayed 15 mins to let people in.
The match started off with England a little bit stronger , physically and possibly mentally than Switzerland. However after the first 10/15 mins the Swiss gradually came back into the game using their skillful wingers.
They had quite a few chances some missing the target and the others being saved by the local lad Sam Johnstone. One being a run down the wing by the Swiss number 7 (Khelifi I think) who took on the defence and managed to get passed most of them but luckily (for the English) didn't produce a goal. England had a few chances but they were mainly charged down by the Swiss.
In the second half the Swiss seemed to still be on top, however England had a few shots that were spilt by the Swiss keeper (Brecher). England had a chance with a cross over but Kane couldn't quite get to the ball.
Switzerland kept on going for the goal and there were a few volleys and chances that still went begging or blocked or saved. Unfortunately for England Will Keane twisted his knee chasing a ball into the box. This brought Beranhino on. Another incident where a Swiss player got accidentally punched by the England goalie... whilst he was clearing the ball, and a few minutes later an England player was down in the centre circle. This called for even more stoppage time.
Meanwhile I checked the score in the other game... 0v0 still.
As time drew on Swiss tried to push harder for a goal, as it looked like the other game had finished at 0v0...
but no wait
The internet is not always right and the final score finally came through showing that Slovenia had actually scored and won 1v0. This was game on now for the Swiss.
They had a few minutes left and pushed but this left gaps at the back for the English, who either didn't know of the other score or decided that the best defence is to attack. The fatal blow coming in the 94th minute with the sub Berahino scored at the near post. Two Swiss players fell to the floor as they knew it was all over, even if they did try for the last minute or so.
The Swiss were unfortunate, and probably did not deserve to lose the game but left the space at the back to try and get that winning goal.
Attendance: 3266
Local paper review is here including a picture of the goalscorer and also the player with the best haircut: Swiss No. 13 Martin Angha. Angha was one of the cool calmed defenders who wouldn't always just hoof the ball out but played their way out of trouble.
This meant the table finished:
England 7pts
Montenegro 4pts
Switzerland 3pts
Slovenia 3pts
Only the top team qualifies for the Estonian finals so only England went through. They were joined by France (who had Netherlands in their group) , Serbia (who sneaked past Germany), Greece, Croatia, Spain (who were ahead of Italy).
There is one last game to go: Portugal v Ukraine, both on even pts.The winner qualifies (or a draw for Portugal).
No Finland so no clashes of Anthems there!
Next stop July
Next stop Eesti - Estonia - Estland..
*** Update *** - Portugal comfortably beat Ukraine 3v0 (1v0 half time) to be the last country to qualify.
Today Switzerland played Slovenia at Preston in the sun. Both had lost their first game in the group, but it was Switzerland who controlled the first half. The Swiss left winger enjoyed some long balls from all angles including right back position. He seemed not to be marked and free reign to run and cross the ball into the box. The Swiss were quick to close down the opposition and had very good first time control. In the first half they managed to get two goals through Kleiber and Schmidt. In the second half it seemed Slovenia tried a little harder, but also maybe the uncharicteristic weather made the players wilt a little. However the Swiss still defended well and the end result was 2v0.
Later in the day England played Montengro at Rochdale... Report here.
The final score being 1v1 after England equalising late.
This leaves an interesting table with both Montengro and England on 4pts and Switzerland on 3pts (Slovenia 0). With any of these 3 in a chance of going through as the top team. England play Switerland at Preston on Wednesday and the other two teams at Rochdale at the same time.... only time will tell who goes to Estonia!
Estonia are hosting the finals of the U19 International Football in July this year. The ultimate final being played at A. Le Coq Arena, with some group games in Tallinn, Tartu, Haapsalu and Rakvere.
Anyway until then other countries are trying to qualify to win the Competition in Tallinn. It is currently in the Elite Round Qualifiers, with the winners of the group going to Estonia. In England's group are Slovenia , Montenegro and Switzerland.
I went to watch the England v Slovenia game at Deepdale, Preston. The first half was slow with many yellow cards. The Slovenian right winger looked to cause some trouble (and his shot after running in the box was saved by the goalie from a local town). However England probed but never really got anywhere. In the second half England got off to a good start with a shot from the edge of the box by Chalobah.
They continued strongly and Thorpe was strong to force the ball over the line, which seemed to go in like slow mo with both the defender and attacker following the ball... whilst the Slovenian defender tried to keep it out with his hand and so was booked afterwards by the ref.
Slovenia had a long range shot that was dipping down under the bar saved by the England goalie before the goals at the end continued with great runs and low shots. Keane scoring first then the substitute Kane scored after a great run , and Keane finished the game off to make it 5v0. A cracking game in the end after a slow start and a great start for England. Full local report here. Also various reactions available here.
Meanwhile at Rochdale Montenegro played Switzerland (a blog and pictures by someone who went to that game is available here) and won 3v0 meaning the table looks something like this:
England 3pts +5
Montenegro 3pts +3
Switzerland 0pts -3
Slovenia 0pts -5
Next games:
England v Montenegro at Rochdale on Sunday
and Switzerland v Slovenia at Deepdale
Final games on Wednesday when it will be decided who qualifies
