Switzerland settle for play-off route
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Article summary
Republic of Ireland 0-0 Switzerland The Swiss secured a play-off place behind France at the expense of both Ireland and unbeaten Israel.
Article body
Pivotal encounter
There was all to play for going into the game, with the Swiss needing a point to seal at least second place in Group 4, while defeat would see the Irish finish in the top two at their expense. Kuhn's team never really looked in danger of relinquishing their tentative hold on a qualifying place and appeared the most likely victors as the match wore on, with Alexander Frei denied a winning goal by a superb save from Shay Given.
Duo depart
Had he scored, Switzerland would have pipped France to first place. However, Les Bleus qualify automatically, while Ireland and Israel - top before today but not in action - depart. The latter lost out on goal difference, unbeaten like the Swiss and France, and became the first European team to exit World Cup qualifying without defeat for 28 years.
Given heroics
Given's stop from Frei was not the first time the Newcastle United FC custodian, whose penalty save in Cyprus gave the Irish a Saturday victory, had kept his side in the game, and it was only due to his fine fettle that Brian Kerr's team went into half-time on level terms. A nervy game was suddenly brought to life on 29 minutes when Tranquillo Barnetta fired a free-kick which Given saved fairly easily. Barnetta turned provider a minute later, delivering a superb ball towards Frei but with the goal at his mercy, the forward contrived to head wide.
Frei chances
A fractious Irish side had to wait until almost the hour mark before working their first real chance of the game when Kevin Kilbane met an Ian Harte corner, but Pascal Zuberbühler saved. The visitors soon regained the initiative and had two superb chances late on, but after missing the target following Ludovic Magnin's cross on 78 minutes, Frei was denied by Given two minutes later.
Birthday celebrations
None the less, it was 'Happy Birthday' that was being sung on the final whistle as Kuhn celebrated his 62nd birthday in style. Ireland finish fourth, but just one point off second place and three behind France.
