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Group G review Swiss roll on France failed to play the football expected of them and it was Switzerland rather than South Korea who seized the opportunity. Paul Watson reports



The relief was clear for all to see as the final whistle went in Cologne. France’s 2-0 win over Togo had secured Les Bleus a place in the last 16, but things certainly hadn’t gone according to plan. The 1998 winners were slow off the blocks against Switzerland and things went from bad to worse when slack defence saw three points turn to one against South Korea. The Togo game that had been pencilled in as a warm-down before the stressful business of the knock-out stages suddenly became a must-win. While the French did deliver the expected three points, Switzerland ensured that Raymond Domenech’s paid the penalty for their slow start. Arriving in Germany having never kept a World Cup clean sheet, the Swiss upset the history books and were the only side not to concede in the first round. Alexander Frei proved a controversial figure throughout the Group stage. The Rennes forward made a bizarre error in the opening match against France when he opted to punch a cross into the net instead of leaving the ball to teammate Johan Djourou who would have scored with ease. However, all was forgiven when Frei opened the scoring against Togo and he was to prove a key figure again when he sealed victory over South Korea – with a goal scored after the linesman had flagged for offside. While Switzerland’s new-found resolve earned them a meeting with the Ukraine, the slightly more daunting task of a tie with Spain awaits the French. However, Coach Domenech claimed it was no surprise to him. “I expected to play them but not in the same scenario,” claimed the ex-Lyon tactician, “I thought they would finish second and we would finish first. But it’s a great match anyway.” The French were not alone in failing to meet expectations as 2002’s surprise semi-finalists South Korea showed only glimpses of the ability that allowed them to shock Spain and Italy last time around. Even Park Ji-Sung’s late equaliser against France didn’t spur the Asian Tigers into life. Dick Advocaat’s side looked ponderous in possession and lacked invention, volunteering themselves as Group G’s fall guys. Debutants Togo can be proud of their showing. Despite a pay dispute nearly leading to withdrawal from the competition, the Sparrow Hawks proved that they didn’t deserve their ‘whipping boys’ tag and can count themselves a little unlucky to leave Germany without a point to their name. STAR MAN – TRANQUILLO BARNETTA (SWITZERLAND) He may not be one of the World Cup’s star names, but Tranquillo Barnetta’s performances have been crucial in Switzerland’s unexpected early form. South Korea and France both struggled to deal with the 21-year-old and it was his clinical finish that clinched victory against Togo. The Swiss owe a lot to the Bayer Leverkusen man’s creativity, pace and ability to link up with Alexander Frei. KEY MOMENT After a disappointing opening draw with Switzerland, France seemed to be back on track and set for a victory over South Korea that would have left them in Group G’s driving seat. Sadly for Raymond Domenech’s men, a momentary lapse of concentration in defence allowed Park Ji-Sung to blast home and left Les Bleus playing for the runners-up spot.