When the Euro 2008 group draw was made last year, there was something intriguing about who's in Group A. Portugal, Czech Republic, Turkey and co-hosts Switzerland. I had purposely arranged that way.
There was a history of bad blood between especially Turkey and Switzerland, and it goes back to the 2006 World Cup play-offs. Dubbed as the 'Battle of Istanbul' later on, Switzerland won its place to Germany for the tournament. But it was much more than that. After the match was over, scuffles broke out. Both sides were punished, with Turkey being hit the hardest. Turkey were ordered to play the first three of their Euro 2008 qualifying group matches on neutral grounds and also behind closed doors as well.
While as according to Swiss tabloid Blick which said this ahead of the match 'It's over but not forgotten' (my source - here), both sides have been de-escalating the entire matter. I remembered reading back then after the draw was made, both coaches (Switzerland's Jakob Kuhn and Turkey's Fatih Terim) said that they had already buried the hatchet. A time to forget what happened two years ago in Istanbul.
Or wait. Swiss international Tranquillo Barnetta is all steeling himself for a "hard-fought and aggressive" clash with Turkey. It may be a different match now but, memories of what happened in Istanbul is still fresh in Barnetta's mind. After all, most of his current teammates in the 'Nati' were part of infamous scuffle and Kuhn was also the coach then. It makes it even all the more ironic.
On the team-news front, there's one major news. Turkey midfielder Emre has been ruled out of the match, as his coach Fatih Terim has confirmed. Other than the fact that Alexender Frei is out for Switzerland. And defender Ludvovic Magnin will be set to become the new captain. Ah yes, the VfB Stuttgart defender who is also the resident joker at the club. I should know, being the Stuttgart supporter myself.
What is interesting in the 'Nati', there are three who are born in Switzerland to Turkish parents. Defensive midfielder Gokhan Inler, playmaker Hakan Yakin and striker Eren Derdiyok. Now the trio are going to be part of the side up against the country of their parents.
Well, I can only hope the match don't get nasty in any sense on the pitch. That is all.
