Thursday 12 June 2008

Euro 2008: Late goal ends Senderos dream


Philippe Senderos' Euro 2008 dream is over. The Arsenal defender played a full 90 minutes against Turkey on Wednesday night but a last-gasp goal condemned Switzerland to their second defeat of the tournament. They can no longer qualify for the Quarter-Finals.

Senderos played a major part in the goal which gave the co-hosts a first-half lead. In the midst of a torrential downpour, Senderos lofted the ball over Turkey's defence and into the path of Derdiyok. He squared for Hakan Yakin to tap in after the ball slowed to a standstill on the drenched turf.

The conditions seem to suit Switzerland's more direct approach but, as the rain stopped and the pitch dried out, Turkey's passing game returned to the fore. They equalised 12 minutes into the second half when Diego Benaglio failed to keep out Semih Senturk's header.

Arda Turan then broke Swiss hearts when he cut inside and scored with a deflected shot in injury time. The result leaves Switzerland with no points from two Group A games - and no way back at Euro 2008.

Arsenal's other Swiss representative, Johan Djourou, did not feature against Turkey. He will be hoping to get a run-out when the co-hosts complete their group fixtures against Portugal in Basle on Sunday.