Pro Sports

Switzerland beats Ireland 2-0 in Euro 2020 qualifying

Posted October 15, 2019 7:00 am

By GRAHAM DUNBAR

Switzerland's forward Haris Seferovic, celebrates after scoring the first goal of the game against Republic of Ireland, during their Euro 2020 qualifying Group D soccer match at the Stade de Geneve, in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019. (Jean-Christophe Bott/Keystone via AP) The Associated Press

GENEVA (AP) - Switzerland regained control of its European Championship qualifying destiny by beating outmanned Ireland 2-0 in the tight Group D on Tuesday.

Haris Seferovic gave the Swiss a deserved early lead with a low shot from just outside the area. With the last kick of the game, an own goal by Shane Duffy settled an often testy game on a ragged, rain-soaked Stade de Geneve pitch.

In a three-way fight for two qualifying places, Switzerland remains in third place, one point behind Ireland and Denmark. However, Switzerland and Denmark both have two games left to play next month - including against last-place minnow Gibraltar - while Ireland has only a must-win home clash with the Danes.

"It's winner takes all in that game," Ireland coach Mick McCarthy said of the Nov. 18 meeting in Dublin.

Ireland will be without suspended captain Seamus Coleman who was sent off for a second yellow card Tuesday after conceding a penalty for handball.

Switzerland's 77th-minute spot-kick by Ricardo Rodriguez was saved by Darren Randolph, diving to his left to push the ball against the post.

Randolph was beaten diving to his left in the 16th minute by Seferovic's angled shot.

Ireland struggled to create chances, showing why it is the lowest-scoring team of those currently occupying a qualifying place in the 10 groups.

Only in first-half stoppage time did Ireland first piece together a series of neat passes in attack. The shooting chance created for James Collins then lacked power to test Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

Ireland must add to its tally of just six goals in seven games against Denmark.

"I would like to have more goals," McCarthy said, but added: "We are still in a position where we can qualify and I am happy enough with that."

Three days before playing Ireland, Denmark hosts last-place Gibraltar which fell to a sixth straight loss Tuesday, 3-2 against Georgia.

Switzerland plays Gibraltar away on Nov. 18, and will also be favored to first beat Georgia at home.

Whichever team finishes third in Group D gets another chance to advance to Euro 2020 in the playoffs in March.

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More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/apf-Soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Switzerland's forward Haris Seferovic, left, scores the first goal of the game against Republic of Ireland, during their Euro 2020 qualifying Group D soccer match at the Stade de Geneve, in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019. (Jean-Christophe Bott/Keystone via AP) The Associated Press

Referee Szymon Marciniak shows the red card to Ireland defender Seamus Coleman, 2nd left, during their Euro 2020 qualifying Group D soccer match at the Stade de Geneve, in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019. (Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP) The Associated Press

Ireland's Darren Randolph saves Switzerland's Ricardo Rodriguez's penalty shot during their Euro 2020 qualifying Group D soccer match at the Stade de Geneve, in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019. (Simon Cooper/PA via AP) The Associated Press

Ireland's forward James Collins, left, clashes with Switzerland's defender Manuel Akanji, top, during their Euro 2020 qualifying Group D soccer match at the Stade de Geneve, in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019. (Laurent Gillieron/Keystone via AP) The Associated Press

Ireland's midfielder Jeff Hendrick, left, fights for the ball with Switzerland's forward Breel Embolo, right, during their Euro 2020 qualifying Group D soccer match at the Stade de Geneve, in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019. (Laurent Gillieron/Keystone via AP) The Associated Press

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