Luxembourg stun Swiss in Zurich

Alphonse Leweck struck with four minutes remaining to earn Luxembourg a shock success in Zurich after Blaise Kufo had cancelled out Jeff Strasser's opening goal.

Tally matched
Swiss hopes were high following a promising 2-2 draw in Israel in their FIFA World Cup qualifying Group 2 opener, while Luxembourg had started their campaign with a less than impressive 3-0 reverse at home to Greece, and the hosts appeared set to overturn the setback of Strasser's goal when Kufo levelled just before the interval. But Leweck's late winner ensured Luxembourg took three points – the same tally as they acquired from all 12 of their UEFA EURO 2008™ qualification matches. Moreover, it was their first victory in a World Cup fixture since a 1972 defeat of Turkey.

Frei return
Ottmar Hitzfeld's team started in attacking fashion with record goalscorer Alexander Frei returning following knee ligament damage but when they did create a meaningful chance, Kufo was denied by visiting custodian Jonathan Joubert. Instead, Switzerland fell behind as the half-hour mark approached when Strasser's free-kick left home goalkeeper Diego Benaglio helpless. Switzerland responded with a sustained spell of pressure and were rewarded when a beautiful Hakan Yakin cross was met by Kufo's head for the equaliser.

Creativity missing
Backed by a crowd of 22,500 in the Letzigrund Stadion, the home side tried to up the ante after the interval but, again, noteworthy opportunities were in short supply with Yakin's lob from an Kufo back-heel after 53 minutes their best effort. Hitzfeld threw on striker Mauro Lustrinelli for Frei and attacking midfielder Johan Vonlanthen for Alain Nef in search of the winner. But the situation turned from bad to worse four minutes before time when a well-rehearsed free-kick culminated in Leweck securing the victory. Lustrinelli was denied by the crossbar in the final minute to sum up Switzerland's frustration.