Euro 2008 Group A In the year of the old gunslinger, it is fitting that Switzerland and the Czech Republic will be led out for the opening game of Euro 2008 by the Felix and Oscar of the coaching business.
Kobi Kuhn and Karel Bruckner have 133 years' experience between them. Tonight, at St Jakob Park, Basle, they will do their bit for the renewed cachet of European football's senior citizens. Sir Alex Ferguson, at 66, is the daddy of them all, having collected his second Champions League trophy.
Dick Advocaat and Walter Smith, each at 60, took Zenit St Petersburg and Rangers to the UEFA Cup final through starkly contrasting routes. Now, as the European Championships begin in earnest, Kuhn and Bruckner will join Otto Rehhagel and Leo Beenhakker as the grandfathers seeking a last shot at greatness.
Kuhn, at 65, has already expressed his intention to retire after the finals but the decision was not entirely his. "I have promised my wife that I'll call it a day after Euro 2008," he said. Bruckner, at 68, has followed suit.
Before they reach for the smoking jackets and slippers, they will navigate their way through a troublesome Group A schedule including Portugal, inspired by the best player on the planet, Cristiano Ronaldo, and the enigmatic Turks.
Kuhn became Switzerland's first indigenous coach in more than a decade when he was appointed in 2001, immediately succeeding the Argentine, Enzo Trossero, and a procession of hired hands in Uli Stielike, Roy Hodgson and Gilbert Gress.
The testy touchline manner of Bruckner is in contrast to Kuhn's genteel personality and the teams are an extension of the managers' characteristics; the Czechs' aggressive style expected to vanquish a Swiss side noted for its generosity.
Where the coaches have old age in common, two former club-mates will have a vital role in the unfolding drama of the opening match. Petr Cech, widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world, will attempt to defy his old Rennes colleague Alexander Frei, Switzerland's biggest asset.
"I think the Swiss are very dangerous and know how to play well together," said Cech of Switzerland's team ethic. "They create a lot of chances down the left side with Tranquillo Barnetta and Marco Streller, and count on Frei to score goals. The players on the flanks can attack and provide dangerous crosses. We already know a lot about them, and we'll see how well we have prepared in the game."
Frei became Switzerland's all-time leading scorer with two goals in his country's 3-0 preparatory win against the hapless Liechtenstein last week.
The Borussia Dormund forward is entering the tournament in formidable form. "I played with Alex for a season and a half," said Cech. "We got on well, we talked a lot. He's a very nice person and a good friend. It's the first time that I'm going to be playing against him and I'm curious to see what it will be like."
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