Soccer: Swiss youth try to counter Asian dream

Switzerland, with a future full of promise, clash with South Korea, a team inspired by a glorious recent past.

Switzerland, with one of the youngest squads at the World Cup, view this tournament as a chance to gain experience for Euro 2008 while the Koreans are looking to build on their shock appearance in the semifinals four years ago.

The group G table favours the Swiss, who need only a draw to progress to the second round. But Korea needs to win to move on.

"There is no reason why we can't finish top of the group," midfielder Park Ji-sung said.

"If we play like we did in 2002, who knows what can happen?"

The exploits of four years ago are still the yardstick for Korea, even though many players from that campaign are no longer there.

Switzerland, on the other hand, feel their best is ahead of them.

In 2008, they will enjoy home advantage when they co-host the European championship with Austria.

"All our efforts with this young team have been aimed at peaking at the European championship and I originally thought this World Cup would be too early for them," coach Koebi Kuhn said.

"But I couldn't have predicted how quickly players like Philippe Senderos and Tranquillo Barnetta would establish themselves at top European clubs, so it looks like we're now ahead of schedule."

TOMORROW

Switzerland v Korea, Hanover, 7am

- REUTERS