Swiss players said "Merci Kobi" after the co-hosts claimed their ever first victory in European Championship here on Sunday.
"There was no better way to end the campaign," said Hakan Yakin, who scored twice in their 2-0 victory over Portugal to ensure outgoing coach Jakob (Kobi) Kuhn leave on a winning note.
The Young Boys playmaker, who was substituted on 86 minutes, was quick to commend his colleagues for their positive response here after the bitter disappointment of defeats against the Czech Republic and Turkey.
"First of all I have to compliment the team because we played very well three times," said the 31-year-old. "We lost twice unluckily, but in the match tonight we showed we've kept our spirits up and we were comfortable 2-0 winners."
"It was a great farewell for Kobi Kuhn, our coach, and for the fans who stuck by us during the past week. There is no better way to end," he added.
The whole squad of Switzerland took a banner reading "Merci (Goodbye in French) Kobi" onto the pitch and walked around the ground to a standing ovation.
After hugging his staff on the final whistle, Kuhn slowly walked onto the pitch to thank his players.
"I didn't know the banner was planned. It was really emotional because many of the players have been with me for a long time - some 12 years, others five, six, seven," Kuhn said.
"I can only thank the players for this honest thank-you from them because there have been some wonderful times even if it there were difficult moments as well," he added.
The Swiss came into Sunday's match against Group A winners Portugal, knowing a future of bowing out of Euro 2008.
Former Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld will now take charge of the Nati, as the national team is known.
"Ottmar takes over a decent side. The team is young, very youngin parts but there is also experience and can improve, I am sure. I wish Ottmar all the best," commented Kuhn.
The 64-year-old led the Swiss to three successive tournaments, Euro 2004, the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008 on home soil, which made him the most successful one in the country's football history.
Source: Xinhua
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