Win over Norway keeps Swiss on a roll

Katie Fry

Switzerland inflicted the first home defeat on Norway since 2003 with a 2-0 friendly victory while Cyprus hammered the Faroe Island 3-0 in the Group’s only competitive action.

A second-half effort by Rennes striker Alexander Frei and a freak own goal by Norway defender Andre Bergdolmo delighted the Swiss, who are unbeaten since losing to France at last year’s European Championship.

Swiss coach Jakob Kuhn said the win was a boost ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Israel on September 3. Kuhn’s side are second in World Cup Group Four, one point behind leaders Ireland.

Cyprus defeated the Faroe Islands 3-0 on an emotional night for the visitors who were playing for the first time since Sunday’s air crash in Athens in which 121 of their compatriots died.

The result probably ensures that Cyprus finish above the Faroese at the bottom of the standings. Cyprus now have four points from their seven matches and the Faroese one.

Nicos Nicolaou, the Cypriot skipper, missed the game as four of his relatives were among the victims and on the night Cyprus were not helped with the 44th minute dismissal of Eleftherios Elefteriou.

Red cards weren’t limited to the players, as coach Angelos Anastasiades was also ordered to watch the second half from the stands.

Michalis Constandinou opened the scoring after 38 minutes for the visitors with a long-range shot from outside the box.

and tThe same player made it 2-0 from the penalty spot in the 76th minute after Yiannakis Okkas was brought down by goalkeeper Jens Martin Knudsen.

The home side put the visitors under pressure for much of the match and went close when Jakupa Borg hit the post in the 57th minute.

Cyprus went three up late into stoppage time with a goal from Simos Krashias.