Swiss hopes ended by defeat in Wales
Reuters - Friday 07 October 2011, 21:07
Ten-man Switzerland
lost 2-0 away to Wales on Friday, ending their hopes of
qualifying for Euro 2012.
Wales, already out of the running, went ahead with an Aaron
Ramsey penalty on the hour before Gareth Bale broke clear to
fire the second 11 minutes later.
Switzerland, who barely created a scoring chance, stayed
third in Group G with eight points and dropped four behind
Montenegro who drew 2-2 at home to England.
The Swiss, who had qualified for their last four major
tournaments, host Montenegro on Tuesday in their final match
which is now academic.
Wales had the best chance of a scrappy first half when
striker Steve Morison escaped Steve von Bergen only to see his
shot saved at point-blank range by Diego Benaglio.
The game centered on a 10-minute spell early in the second
half which began when Eren Derdiyok headed home for Switzerland
from a free-kick, only to see his effort disallowed for offside
with his team-mates already celebrating.
Five minutes later, leftback Reto Ziegler was sent off for a
wild challenge and, another five minutes after that, Timm Klose
tripped Chris Gunter and conceded a penalty.
Arsenal midfielder Ramsey converted, although Benaglio got
his hand to the ball.
Switzerland played at the last two European Championships
and two World Cups but their chances of extending that run ended
after Morison sent Bale clear to score in the 71st minute.