Today starts the three week long marathon of excellent soccer with the opening match in Basel at 18:00 CET (-6 hours EST) between host country Switzerland and Czech Republic. At 20.45 CET starts another match at Zurich between Portugal and Turkey.

News from the teams:
Zdenek Pospech of Czech Republic did not travel with the team to Basel and stayed behind at Czech Republic team’s “home” city in Seefeld due to a flu. He was being considered by the manager Karel Bruckner to be in the starting line-up. The rest of the team transferred to Basel on Friday and in the evening trained in St. Jakobs Park.

One of the key players of Switzerland, Tranquillo Barnetta, native of St. Gallen, is reported to be healed from his injury and ready to play against the Czechs. This is no doubt good news for Switzerland as Barnetta is key midfielder for his team.

There are no surprises expected in Portugal’s starting lineup, as all players are healthy ready for their opener against Turkey. They are expected to start with a 4-3-3 formation, with Nuno Gomes the lone stiker supported on wings by Christiano Ronaldo and Simao.