After showing since 1994, Switzerland hungers for more
(AP)
Updated: 2006-06-24 20:54 They've been a cautious lot,
Switzerland's players and coach.
Getting into the second round at the World Cup, they'd say, is an achievement
for the little soccer nation.
Switzerland players
celebrate after the final whistle of their Group G World Cup 2006 soccer
match against South Korea in Hanover June 23,
2006.[Reuters] |
But now Switzerland is heading into the knockout phase as the winner of Group
G and the only team in this tournament not to concede any goals. And for the
first time they are daring to dream.
"We reached our first goal, but now we've developed an appetite for a lot
more," Switzerland goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbuehler said after his team's 2-0
victory over South Korea on Friday.
Switzerland sees its next opponent, Ukraine, is seen as dangerous, but
beatable.
"Once again, we have a strong opponent, but we are confident enough (to
believe) that we can get through the next round," Switzerland coach Koebi Kuhn
said. Kuhn led the national team for the 50th consecutive time Friday, a record
in his country.
In winning its group Switzerland avoided a second-round clash with Spain, a
feared opponent. Switzerland has never been able to defeat the Spaniards _
having 15 losses and three draws.
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