Swiss strike early to down Armenia

Switzerland improved their chances of advancing from Group 2 in qualifying for the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship by winning 3-1 away to Armenia.

Bright start
All the goals were scored in the first half with Switzerland getting off to a flying start when Xavier Hochstrasser made the most of a lapse in defence to fire them ahead on four minutes. Armenia quickly regrouped and drew level through Hiraç Yagan six minutes later, the R. Standard de Liège forward firing in at the near post following a corner. Switzerland, though, were soon back in front, Jonathan Rossini finishing off a fine break on 35 minutes before Frank Feltscher added the third four minutes later following an excellent solo run.

Late chances
Armenia pressed after the break but the best chance of the half fell to Swiss substitute Mario Gavranovic, whose shot was cleared off the line by Artak Andrikyan late on with goalkeeper Gevorg Prazyan beaten. Switzerland are now level on six points with leaders Turkey, but have played a game more while Armenia are still looking for their first point after three games.