Second goal a gem for Swiss

SWITZERLAND coach Kobi Kuhn admitted the second goal in his side’s second goal in the comprehensive Group G victory over Togo could prove crucial to their hopes of reaching the last 16 of the World Cup.

An early strike from Alexander Frei and the late goal from Tranquillo Barnetta sealed the points for the Swiss who, because of the second goal, now need only a draw in their final Group G match with South Korea to progress to the second round.

The Koreans only beat the Togolese 2-1, while both the Swiss and the Koreans have also drawn with France.

Kuhn said: “To close out the game, we had to raise the pace of the game. If it had only been 1-0 we would have had to beat Korea (to be sure of qualifying) and that would have given us a lot to do. Fortunately it ended well for us.

“I always expected this to be a tough group as we played France in Portugal.

“Two years ago (at Euro 2004) and then twice in qualifying – they are really, really good and I expected South Korea to be strong as well.”

Togo coach Otto Pfister, referring to the refusal of a penalty for a foul on Emmanuel Adebayor by Patrick Muller, said: “I don’t like to criticise referees — there is a rule book and it must be respected. That’s all I can say.”

He admitted the problems that caused him to briefly resign at the start of the tournament and then led to the players threatening to boycott the match had not helped.

“When you have week-long quarrels it obviously has an effect – players gave their all and played well but we could not manage to beat Switzerland,” he said.

Kuhn admitted Togo had had a good claim for a penalty.

“I was not sure during the match but looking at the TV I think it probably was,” he said.

TOGO: Agassa, Nibombe, Tchangai, Toure, Agboh (Salifou 24), Dossevi (Senaya 68), Cherif-Toure (Malm 86), Romao, Forson, Adebayor, Mohamed.

Subs not used: Akoto, Atsou, Aziawonou, Erassa, Obilale, Olufade, Tchagnirou, Assemoassa.

SWITZERLAND: Zuberbuhler, Muller, Philipp Degen, Senderos, Magnin, Barnetta, Vogel, Wicky, Cabanas (Streller 77), Frei (Lustrinelli 87), Gygax (Yakin 45).

Subs Not Used: Benaglio, Coltorti, David Degen, Djourou, Dzemaili, Grichting, Margairaz, Spycher, Behrami.

Referee: Carlos Amarilla (Paraguay).

Attendance: 65,000.