Hamit Altıntop says Turkey will deliver a knockout blow to Switzerland in the second Group A match in Basel, provided that "we can play our normal game".

‘We will win’
The 25-year-old right-back cum right midfielder was on the losing side as Fatih Terim’s team kicked off with a 2-0 defeat by Portugal, but he is looking forward with confidence to facing co-hosts Switzerland on Wednesday. "We watched Switzerland’s first match," he told euro2008.com. "We knew them from 2005 [the FIFA World Cup qualification play-off]. I think they will play with great ambition, because they are the hosts, but if we can play our normal game we will win."

Frustrating end
Born in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, to Turkish parents, Altıntop has spent his entire career in the Bundesliga, playing with twin brother Halil Altıntop at FC Schalke 04 before moving to FC Bayern München. Now capped 43 times, he played in all but one of Turkey’s qualifiers, scoring two vital goals against Norway. He demonstrated his versatility by switching from right-back to right midfield in the opener against Portugal, but ended the night frustrated. "We couldn’t get a result," he said. "We didn’t play our normal game, but you mustn’t forget that Portugal are really tough opponents.

‘Crucial match’
"I think it will be different in the second game," added Altıntop, who missed part of this spring’s campaign with a broken toe. "It is a crucial match for us – you could call it a final. The Czech Republic’s meeting with Portugal is important but if we win, we will have something to play for in the third game." He is desperate for Turkey’s UEFA EURO 2008™ adventure to continue. "It is a very different environment," he said. "A big stage. A player can make his and his nation’s name. We all want to represent our country as best as we can."