Nightmare start for Cyprus coach

Switzerland kept up the pressure on Group 4 pace-setters Israel and France with a resounding victory against Cyprus in Limassol.
Nightmare start
New Cyprus coach Andros Kouloumbris's reign could scarcely have got off to a worse start as his side were swept away by the ruthless visitors, and finished with ten men after Georgios Pelagias was sent off.

Pelagias dismissed
Davide Calla gave Switzerland the lead on 20 minutes with a looping header before Blerim Dzemaili made it two seven minutes later, seizing on hesitant Cypriot defending. When Pelagias was shown the red card for a rash tackle, it looked as though the hosts would crumble completely, and Fabrizio Zambrella duly rattled home a third goal before the break, drilling his shot low past goalkeeper Demetris Stylianou.

Swiss ambition
With Switzerland in almost complete control, David Marazzi added another five minutes into the half before David Degen completed the rout on 70 minutes. Antonis Panagi's late penalty restored a sliver of pride, but by that time the Swiss already had their minds on their next game, at home against France on 7 October. If they win that match, they will give themselves a great chance of finishing in the top two and reaching the UEFA European Under-21 Championship play-offs in November.