Behrami sets quarter-final goal

Valon Behrami says Switzerland have set their sights on a quarter-final place at Euro 2016.

The Rossocrociati have so far failed to make it out of the group stages in their three appearances at the European Championships but the extension of the tournament to 24 teams means they are highly likely to make it to the last 16.

Switzerland reached the second round at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and with many of the same squad now having an extra two years of experience under their belts, can confidently target a quarter-final place.

Vladimir Petkovic’s men have been draw in Group A alongside hosts France, Albania and Romania and are currently 1.25 to qualify and 5.25 to top the pool.

Watford midfielder Behrami admits confidence is high within the camp and believes reaching the last eight is a realistic goal for his side.

“It’s a big chance for us. We have a good generation at the moment and we’re going to try to do something special and to surprise people,” he told the Hornets’ official YouTube Channel.

“We have the quality to do that and at the same time we have to work together as a team, because it’s the only way for a team like Switzerland to succeed. “In the last 10 years the expectation was just to go through to the round of 16, but now we try to put the target a bit higher and maybe make the quarter-finals. “This could be a great achievement for us and we know we have the quality to do that, but at the same time we know it’s going to be hard.”

Switzerland begin their campaign on Saturday in Lens against Albania, a game they are 1.75 to win, with the draw 3.25 and the tournament debutants 5.25.