The opening fixture of Euro 2008 is not quite the blockbuster everyone would be hoping for by any means, but it could well provide an intriguing clue as to how the tournament unfolds. Will we be in for a dramatic, thrilling Euro 2000, with a clash of the titans in the final being decided by a golden goal, or a slightly less thrilling but nonetheless dramatic Euro 2004 in which Greece managed to pull off one of the greatest upsets in European Championship history, entering as a bottom seed but going on to win the tournament?

If Switzerland manage a victory then this could be yet another tournament for the underdog, but the Czechs are hardly giants themselves and are missing the two players who are quite easily their most high profile. Legend Pavel Nedved has of course taken the eventual decision to retire from international football while Tomas Rosicky's never-ending battle with injury is ongoing.

They will require yet more work after the Championship when iconic target-man Jan Koller calls time on his international career, but he is sure to give his all in one last push to do his part to get his country its first ever major honour on the international stage. They of course reached the final in Euro 96 and the semi-final in Euro 2004 only to see success elude them - could Euro 2008 be their last chance?

They are without doubt perennial underdogs and relish such a position. They have always made their way by disposing of sides beneath them in the pecking order, where more star-studded sides tend to stumble. The real test for them will come in the knock-outs, but first and foremost they must maintain their usual prolificacy in the group stages.

Facing hosts is never an easy proposition - particularly in the opening game - and Switzerland are coming into the tournament off the back of a couple of convincing wins in warm-up matches. While it must be noted that Liechtenstein and Slovakia are hardly the stiffest of opposition, winning is a habit and if the Swiss army carry this momentum into their opening game they could spring a surprise on their visitors.

This modern incarnation of Switzerland is famous for having been eliminated from the 2006 World Cup without conceding a goal; their woeful penalty shootout against Ukraine proved their undoing after what had been an impressive if not all that entertaining qualification from the group stage. Philippe Senderos is almost like another player entirely for his country, but is no doubt helped by the defensive tactics employed by coach Jakob Kuhn. It is their unit that provides strength - with Inler no doubt set to be a star for them - but their problem may be outstanding individual play to create goals.

Valon Behrami may prove a key man in this respect. The outgoing Lazio star has already expressed his enthusiasm leading up to the tournament and will relish the attacking freedom he is allowed on the wing for his country, having been played as a full-back at club level.

Gelson Fernandes may also have a fair amount of responsibility to create, and having not enjoyed the most morale-boosting time at Manchester City in recent months, there is a chance he may be found wanting. The key to their attacks will be using the flanks to their full effect. Barnetta, Vonlanthen, Behrami, Degen, Lichtsteiner and Magnin are all able down the flanks as full-backs and wingers, and if they use wide areas to break and try and hit the Czechs where they are somewhat weaker, they may well grab the opening day victory the whole country will be hoping for.


FORM GUIDE

Switzerland

* May 30 Switzerland 3-0 Liechtenstein (Friendly)

* May 24 Switzerland 2-0 Slovakia (Friendly)

* March 26 Switzerland 0-4 Germany (Friendly)

* February 6 England 2-1 Switzerland (Friendly)

* November 20 Switzerland 0-1 Nigeria (Friendly)

* October 17 Switzerland 0-1 United States (Friendly)


Czech Republic

* May 30 Czech Republic 3-1 Scotland (Friendly)

* May 27 Czech Republic 2-0 Lithuania (Friendly)

* March 26 Denmark 1-1 Czech Republic (Friendly)

* February 6 Poland 2-0 Czech Republic (Friendly)

* November 21 Cyprus 0-2 Czech Republic (European Championship qualifier)

* November 17 Czech Republic 3-1 Slovakia (European Championship qualifier)



TEAM NEWS

Switzerland

Despite having played 4-4-2 in their two recent victories, against tougher opposition the Swiss are likely to revert to 4-5-1, with Alexander Frei the lone striker and fellow front-man Streller withdrawn for attacking midfielder Hakan Yakin. Tranquillo Barnetta has overcome an ankle injury and will be fit to start, though Johan Vonlanthen's impressive performances during his lay-off may make competition for the left-wing slot fairly stiff. Veteran defender Patrick Müller has looked solid in the warm-up games despite recently suffering a cruciate ligament injury and should prevent Johan Djourou from lining up with Arsenal team-mate Philippe Senderos in defence.

Probable XI (4-4-1-1): Benaglio - Lichtsteiner, Müller, Senderos, Magnin - Behrami, Inler, Fernandes, Barnetta - Yakin - Frei.


Czech Republic

It is likely that the Czechs will not want to risk too much and will therefore start with a similar system to their hosts. Milan Baros will most likely drop to the bench and come on only if they are pressing for a result, with Sionko having earned his place following a brace against Scotland and Plašil also likely to start. Full-back Zdněk Pospěch has the flu and will be sitting out the game, with Juventus' Zdeněk Grygera a possible like-for-like replacement, though Ujfalusi could play at right-back allowing Radoslav Kovac to partner David Rozehnal in defence. With the possibilities continuing, Matejovsky's place may also be taken by a more creative player such as Jarolim.

Probable XI (4-5-1): Cech - Grygera, Ujfalusi, Rozehnal, Jankulovski - Sionko, Matejovsky, Galasek, Polak, Plašil - Koller.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Switzerland - Gökhan Inler

The 23-year-old will play a key role protecting the defence in a game where Switzerland, despite being the home nation, will be under some pressure for periods of the game. Has enjoyed a tremendous debut season with Udinese and is likely to carry that form through for his national side in this summer's tournament. For the Czechs, it will be a matter of working around Inler in order to ensure they can break through what is sure to be a packed defence.

Czech Republic - Jan Koller

The big man is likely to be up front on his own and surrounded by a sea of red shirts for long periods throughout the evening. He will have his work cut out, having to knock down several high balls and attempt to put his aerial prowess to good use when attempting to fashion chances on goal. He has just recently announced he will be retiring from international football after the tournament, and he will no doubt be keen to improve on what is already an incredible goal-scoring ratio for his country.

PREDICTION

Home support has been known to work its wonders in the past and there is nothing to suggest the same may not happen tomorrow evening. However, the form guide tells a story: the Czechs have been clinical in disposing of all inferior opposition while Switzerland have only managed results against the weakest of opposition. A home win would be quite an achievement - and one that definitely cannot be ruled out - but the Czechs should have enough at their disposal to make it a less than memorable opening day for the home support.

Switzerland 1-2 Czech Republic...