Swiss top scorer Frei admits nervousness before Euro 2008 opener

BASEL, June 6 (Xinhua) -- Swiss captain and top scorer Alexander Frei admitted that there were nervousness in the Switzerland camp before Saturday's opening match against the Czech Republic at Euro 2008 championship.

After the eve-of-game press conference, Frei admitted that he was not as calm as he might have appeared during the training. "It's true that I am getting more nervous and tense slowly but surely." Frei said.

But Frei also said he was "full of joy and expectation" at the thought of Switzerland finally playing their first competitive match since they lost to Ukraine in the round of 16 at the 2006 World Cup.

"It is about time that the Swiss team is unleashed. We will show the world that we are in form."

The home crowd support in the St. Jakob-Part stadium could have a positive effect on the Swiss team. But Frei refused to predict how much the Swiss team could benefit from the home advantage. "So far, I feel great about playing at home but I can only really answer that question after the match."

The 28-year-old striker, Switzerland's record scorer with 35 goals, is hitting the peak form just in time for the championship. After suffering a serious hip injury in May 2007, he found his touch in front of the goal in the springtime, scoring six goals in the last eight Germany first division games of the season and went on to strike twice against Liechtenstein last Friday.