Sweet start for Swiss

Switzerland 4,Georgia 1

Mon, 09 Sep, 2002 - 01:00

Koebi Kuhn’s side dominated the match as they moved to the top of Ireland’s Group 10 standings after the opening round of fixtures. Russia beat Ireland 4-2 on Saturday, while Albania are the other team in the group.

Ireland’s next group game against the Swiss at Lansdowne Road on October 16 now becomes a crucial game.

Young Swiss striker Alexander Frei netted the opening goal eight minutes before half time, only for Archil Arveladze to put Georgia back on level terms after 62 minutes.

Hakan Yakin restored Switzerland’s lead one minute later before Patrick Mueller and Stephane Chapuisat added further goals at St Jakob Park.

SWITZERLAND: Stiel, Haas, Henchoz, Magnin (Berner 83), Yakin, Mueller, Cabanas, Vogel (Celestini 68), Yakin (Wicky 74), Chapuisat, Frei.

GEORGIA: Gvaramadze, Kobiashvili, Shaschiashvili, Kaladze, Tskitishvili, Nemsadze, Jamarauli, Sadjaia (Rekhviashvili 46, Kavelashvili 84), Kinkladze (Burduli 46), Demetradze, Arveladze.

Referee: Vladimir Hrinak (Slovakia)