Switzerland subdued by Ivory Coast

Switzerland 1-1 Ivory Coast
Two of the sides who will take part in the FIFA World Cup finals in Germany next month, Switzerland and the Ivory Coast, played out an entertaining draw in a friendly international in Basle.

Midfielders on target
In front of 30,000 spectators at St. Jakob-Park, home of FC Basel 1893, Switzerland struck first as Tranquillo Barnetta put the hosts ahead two minutes past the half-hour. It was the 21-year-old Bayer 04 Leverkusen midfielder's second goal for his country in his 12th appearance, although it was not enough to secure a warm-up victory. The Ivory Coast, runners-up to Egypt at the CAF African Cup of Nations earlier this year, replied two minutes into the second half through midfielder Emerse Faé, who plays his football in France with FC Nantes Atlantique, to earn a draw.

Germany groups
The Swiss are in Group G in Germany, alongside 1998 world champions France - whom Switzerland also met in qualifying - the Korean Republic, semi-finalists four years ago, and first-time qualifiers Togo. The Netherlands, Serbia and Montenegro, and Argentina form the Group C opposition for the Ivory Coast, who are also in the finals for the first time.