Kilbane keen to redress balance against Swiss
Kevin Kilbane insists the Republic of Ireland have a score to settle with Switzerland as the memories of the battle in Basle have not been forgotten.
Two years ago to the day, the Republic headed into their final European Championship qualifying match needing a victory on Swiss soil to clinch a play-off place.
It is fair to say Kerr’s players produced one of the worst performances of his tenure, losing 2-0 in a game overshadowed by bad blood and needle that arose during and after the match.
The worst culprit was Swiss star Alexander Frei who taunted the Ireland bench after he had scored his side’s second goal, prompting an angry response from Mark Kinsella who was captured on camera throwing a water bottle at the 26-year-old striker.
There were also accusations made by Clinton Morrison of racial abuse from Frei, albeit strenuously denied, but with the Crystal Palace striker last year spelling out his determination to get his revenge.
The duo missed out on crossing swords 13 months ago in the World Cup qualifier in Basle as Frei was suspended, which prompted Morrison to then say: “He misses our game does he?
“Well, I am a bit disappointed because he made a remark to me for which I owe him one.
“It was like a racist remark he said on the pitch which I went mad about. I don’t really want to repeat it. I will just keep it to myself.
“So I am disappointed he won’t be playing – but we’ll see him again at Lansdowne Road hopefully and I will get him when he comes to Dublin. We will have it out there.”
The Swiss also gloated after the game about a win which took them to the finals, the tannoy boomed out ’Congratulations’, while 30,000 Swiss fans sang ’Happy Birthday’ to coach Kobi Kuhn who turned 60 the following day.
Ahead of tomorrow’s return at Lansdowne Road and a game Ireland have to win to clinch a play-off place, Ireland believe the Swiss could have been more gracious.
Everton midfielder Kilbane said: “It was a disappointing night, although a great one for them as they won the match.
“But what happened that night, it’s all in our thoughts – manager, players, coaching staff. Now we’ve got to try and rectify the situation.”
Kerr also concedes to being rankled by the events of that night as he said: “I thought they tried to rub it in a little bit, but that’s the way it goes.
“One fella came along and gave us a bit of stick in the dugout which stuck in my mind. It’s not the sort of behaviour I would like from any of our players.”
Ireland, though, have struggled to beat Switzerland in the last three meetings - losing two and drawing one – but with confidence high they can finally emerge on top.
“The Swiss have been very confident whenever they have played against us, which is probably justified with our performances against them in the past,” added Kilbane.
“We’ve probably a point to prove against them, but we won’t get over anxious or too confident in ourselves.
“We believe we can win the game, and once it starts tomorrow we’ve just got to go out and do the business, and that’s what it’s all about.
“If we approach the game full of confidence, like we have been feeling over the last three days, and knowing as well we’ve a point to prove, then hopefully we can reverse the fixtures of the past against them.”
