Switzerland and Austria have mountains to climb to get ready for Euro 2008 after the two host nations were beaten in Wednesday's warm-up friendlies.

After boasting they were ready to end 51 years of domination by neighbours Germany, Switzerland were routed 4-0 in Basel, their fourth defeat in a row.

Austria, with one win from their previous 13 outings, were less confident against Netherlands - until they went 3-0 up in 35 minutes in Vienna.

By the time the final whistle blew, however, they had lost 4-3.

In Basel, where Switzerland will open Euro 2008 against Czech Republic on June 7, there were loud boos and whistles.

"There's nothing I can say to make it look good," Swiss coach Koebi Kuhn said.

"Germany outplayed us all over the pitch but we also helped out with unnecessary mistakes that made us look amateurish."

Kuhn said there was little to learn from such a thrashing and his team would have to put the match behind them if they wanted to improve at Euro 2008.

Swiss newspapers have been harshly critical, questioning Kuhn's decision to switch his regular formation by moving winger Tranquillo Barnetta into a playmaker role behind strikers Alex Frei and Eren Derdiyok.

"It clearly didn't work," said Kuhn. "With just over two months to go until the start of Euro 2008 it's time to stop experimenting."

Kuhn has repeatedly said his young side, filled with players based at top clubs across Europe, should be aiming for the European title in June.

But with key players like Frei and central defender Philippe Senderos fighting for fitness and starting places at their clubs, the Swiss coach appears to be facing a tough test.

Reuters