Switzerland play Togo in the fourth match of Group G at the Westfalenstadion, Dortmund, with both teams wanting a win to keep their hopes of progressing in the tournament alive. Switzerland drew 0-0 against France in their opening game, whilst Togo were unfortunate to lose 2-1 against South Korea in their first ever match in World Cup Finals.

Although Switzerland go into the game as slight favourites coach Kobi Kuhn has rubbished speculation that they can expect an easy victory over Togo.

"Anyone who thinks Togo will be cannon fodder is completely wrong. They are a strong team who qualified for the World Cup in a strong group, although I think we will find more space to attack against them,” he said. "We always try to play attacking football but we know ourselves we are not goal machines."

However, although Kuhn expects a tough game against Togo, he is hoping strikers Alex Frei and Marco Streller can get amongst the goals: "Our strikers are coming back from a difficult time with injuries and I think the longer the tournament lasts, the better it will be for them," Kuhn said.

Midfielder Valon Behrami will not be available against Togo after picking up a knee injury that could end his World Cup. The 21-year-old Lazio player missed the opening game and had a scan on the injury on Thursday.

Kuhn is expected to name the same side that faced France, however, he may bring in attacking midfielder Daniel Gygax to replace Raphael Wicky.

Togo coach Otto Pfister is under no illusions as to the task facing his team: "For Togo, this is the last chance,” said the 68-year-old. "I know the Swiss team inside out and if everyone is fit, it should be no surprise how they play. I now have to work out the tactics of how to beat them."

Pfister’s wife is Swiss; he lives there, and has coached there in the past. So he will be hoping his in-depth knowledge could prove invaluable as Togo attempt to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

Despite the chaotic build-up to the World Cup, with a pay dispute between the players and the Togolese Football Federation, precipitating Pfister to walk out on the eve of the finals before eventually returning, confidence remains high amongst the squad.

"All I know is that we will play to win,” said Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

Mohammed Kader, Adebayor’s partner in attack agreed with his team-mate, saying: "It is the honour of Togo that is at stake, the honour of our families."

Togo will have to make changes in defence following the dismissal of captain Jean-Paul Abalo against South Korea, and the loss of Ludovic Assemoassa for the rest of the tournament after he tore knee ligaments in the same game. Assimiou Touré and Éric Akoto are expected to deputise.

Switzerland (probable): Zuberbuehler, Magnin, Senderos, Mueller, Degen, Wicky, Vogel, Cabanas, Barnetta, Frei, Streller.

Togo (probable): Agassa, Nibombe, Toure, Tchangai, Akoto, Agboh, Dossevi, Cherif-Maman, Romao, Kader, Adebayor.

Referee: Carlos Amarilla (Paraguay)

Bookmark/Search this post with:

delicious | digg | google | yahoo | technorati