Switzerland seal World Cup place despite Kosovo fightback

Switzerland’s Granit Xhaka (left) fights for the ball with Kosovo’s Florent Muslija during the match at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium. (EPA images pic)

PRISTINA: Switzerland qualified for next year’s World Cup despite being held 1-1 by Kosovo on Tuesday, as Florent Muslija’s superb strike cancelled out Ruben Vargas’ early second-half goal for the visitors.

Switzerland finished top of Group B with 14 points, completing an unbeaten qualifying campaign. Kosovo secured second place with 11 points and a berth in March’s European playoffs, as they chase a first-ever World Cup appearance.

After a flat first half with few openings, Vargas broke the deadlock 90 seconds after the restart, slipping in behind to meet a through ball from Djibril Sow and beating Kosovo goalkeeper Arijanet Muric with a low finish.

Kosovo equalised in the 74th minute through Muslija, who pounced on a loose ball just outside the area and unleashed a superb curling strike into the top-right corner, leaving Gregor Kobel with no chance.

Spurred on by a raucous Pristina City Stadium, the hosts pressed for a late winner, but efforts from Baton Zabergja and Vedat Muriqi were smothered by Kobel and a resolute Swiss backline.