Swiss surge overwhelms Ireland
Tuesday, September 7, 2004
Article summary
Switzerland 4-2 Republic of Ireland Xavier Marguairaz finds the net twice in an impressive success.
Article body
An early goal from Stefan Lichtsteiner was the foundation as Switzerland secured an impressive Group 4 victory against the Republic of Ireland in Berne.
Marguairaz double
Lichtsteiner headed the Swiss in front in the fourth minute, although the home side had to then wait until the opening minutes of the second half to add to their lead. Xavier Marguairaz turned in Alain Rochat's free-kick to make it 2-0 in the 49th minute, and the same player scored his second and Switzerland's third three minutes before the hour.
Two-goal cushion
Although Stephen Elliot pulled a goal back six minutes later, Paddy McCarthy's own goal ten minutes from time restored Switzerland's three-goal cushion and rendered Aiden McGeady's 86th-minute penalty little consolation. Switzerland will be hoping to carry their form into their visit to Israel on 8 October, while Ireland's next match is a trip to France.