Switzerland got their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign off to a successful start with a 2-0 Group E win against Slovenia in Ljubljana.

Granit Xhaka's first-half strike and Gökhan Inler's effort six minutes after the restart helped the visitors to a convincing victory in a match which never looked like ending any other way for Ottmar Hitzfeld's side.

Most of the chances came in an exciting first half, and it was the home side who came closest early on through Valter Birsa's free-kick and Armin Bačinović. However, Xhaka combined beautifully with his team-mates on the edge of the penalty area before firing past Jasmin Handanovič with 20 minutes on the clock.

Eren Derdiyok then struck a post after a goalmouth scramble as Slovenia struggled to stay in touch. Birsa and Tim Matavž provided simple tests for Diego Benaglio at the other end.

Inler stole the spotlight with a stunning goal that deserved to win any match. The SSC Napoli midfielder intercepted an errant ball in midfield, strode forward and unleashed a shot from 25 metres which arrowed past the reach of Handanovič.