by Martin North

Even the most optimistic Swiss and Austrian supporters knew that their hopes of success this summer were slim. The gloomier among them, including 10,000 Austrians who signed a petition against their participation, feared national embarrassment.

Even though Euro 2008’s opening weekend saw the home nations battle with and ultimately fall to more illustrious opponents, the Czech Republic and Croatia, the cynics who suggested the hosts didn’t even deserve to be at their own party were left eating humble pie.

Both were dreadfully unlucky to lose. Their positive play was ultimately foiled by wasteful finishing and contentious penalty decisions. Austrian complaints about Croatia’s match-winning penalty had little merit, but the Swiss were hard done by when Tomáš Ujfaluši’s clear handball went unpunished.

It will surprise many that the Czechs and Croats, widely considered tournament dark horses, struggled to close their games out, inviting late pressure by continually conceding possession.

Karel Brückner and Slaven Bilić will argue that their sides’ pedestrian play was simply a slow start against teams fuelled by patriotic support. 1-0 wins are not to be sneezed at, but they will need to pick up the pace against their next opponents. Portugal and Germany will present a far sterner test of Czech and Croat credentials.

Losing is bound to temper some of the hosts’ early enthusiasm, but Switzerland and Austria should take heart from their performances. The hosts showed enough craft and endeavor to suggest that, even if they fail to extend their involvement beyond next Monday, they won’t be departing in shame.

With no serious expectations weighing them down, Swiss and Austrian players have a perfect opportunity to prove their ability at the highest level.

Some have found themselves thrust into the limelight after playing infrequently at club level. Whether for national pride or professional advancement, international tournaments provide footballers from smaller countries with unparalleled exposure for their talents.

At Euro 2004, Angelos Charisteas seized his chance for Greece despite being the fourth choice striker at Werder Bremen. His winning goal in the final against Portugal was his third vital strike of the competition and he earned a place in UEFA’s Team of the Tournament.

One of the weekend’s most impressive showings came from another Werder striker. Austria’s Martin Harnik has yet to establish himself at the Weserstadion but he drifted wide to great effect on Sunday. His direct running tormented the Croatian left back and he whipped in several venomous crosses that should have been exploited by his profligate teammates.

Harnik could have played for Germany since he was born in Hamburg to a German mother. Instead he chose to represent his father’s homeland and, if yesterday was any indication, Austrian football has every reason to be grateful.

It was a good weekend for foreign-born nationals. Lukas Podolski, whose value to the German national team seems to outweigh his significance at Bayern Munich, scored twice against Poland, his country of birth. His celebrations were muted – a broader smile will surely appear if he repeats the trick against Croatia.

The Germans looked good in Klagenfurt – an ominous sign for the rest of the field. Unlike the Czech Republic and Croatia, they maintained the initiative after their first goal. The Poles showed some spirit towards the end of the first half, but the Germans were comfortable throughout the second period and could have easily registered more than Podolski’s double strike.

Portugal completed the favorites’ dominance of the opening fixtures. Turkey proved competitive for the first hour until another foreign recruit, Brazilian-born Pepe, broke the deadlock. Earning only his fourth cap since becoming a Portuguese citizen in August of last year, the Real Madrid centre-half brought some samba to Geneva as he slalomed his way through the Turkish defence before beating the keeper.

If Swiss and Austrian forwards shared the same ruthlessness in front of the goal as Portuguese defenders, the hosts might have some hope of progression. As it is, their fans probably have only one more week to cheer them on. Until then, they can be proud of teams that are anything but embarrassing.