Albania coach Hans-Peter Briegel believes Ireland and Russia should forget about automatic qualification from Euro 2004 qualifying Group 10 because Switzerland have already got the group sewn up.
Albania were beaten 3-2 by Switzerland in Geneva last night as Koebi Kuhn's Switzerland maintained their unbeaten record and held on to top spot in the group. The Swiss are two points clear of Ireland with Russia, who have a game in hand on both sides, five points adrift of top spot.
Although Switzerland face a trip to Russia and play host to Ireland in the final group game, Briegel believes Kuhn's side have done enough to secure qualification for the finals in Portugal next year.
"I must already congratulate Switzerland on qualification," Briegel said after last night's game.
"Koebi Kuhn's team is the best in this group. When I say that Switzerland is the best team in this group, I do not lie. I think it even more after this meeting.
"I know that Switzerland have still not qualified, but in my opinion their absence from the finals will last no longer than 2004. They have a very good chance and they will qualify."
Switzerland's only previous appearance in the finals came in 1996 when they were eliminated in the group stages.