Frei saves Swiss blushes

World Cup qualifiers Group 4/ Faroe Islands 1 Switzerland 3: Unable to reproduce the form which helped them demolish the Faroes Islands 6-0 at home last September, Switzerland made hard work of Saturday's only other Group Four match and were indebted to two second-half goals from Rennes striker Alexander Frei.

Midfielder Raphael Wicky headed the Swiss in front in the 25th minute with his first international goal before Rogvi Jacobsen stunned the visitors with a close-range equaliser on 70 minutes.

Frei steadied Swiss nerves three minutes later when he latched on to a cross from substitute Xavier Margairaz.

With four minutes remaining, Frei grabbed his second goal after rounding stranded Faroes goal keeper Jakup Mikkelsen.

Despite having to do without playmaker Ricardo Cabanas and Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos, ruled out with a thigh injury and fever respectively, coach Koebi Kuhn's men were in control throughout much of the first half.

The Swiss took a deserved lead through Wicky but then failed to convert a string of chances and the Faroes made them pay when Jacobsen slammed in a loose ball.

Any chance of an upset was ruled out with 17 minutes to go when Frei poked the ball into the net.

Vilified by the media after being banned for spitting at England's Steven Gerrard during Euro 2004, Frei has long since won his way back into Swiss hearts, thanks mainly to his fine international scoring record. The 25-year-old Frei grabbed his 19th goal in 35 games with four minutes remaining.

"It was quite tough in the end, when you look at how the game developed," Frei said after the game. "When you're playing in such difficult wind conditions and with a pitch that wasn't ideal, you really have to show your character."

Switzerland, who top the group with 12 points, do not play another qualifying game until September when they take on Israel at home. Ireland play the Faroes on Wednesday evening.

FAROE ISLANDS: Mikkelsen, Danielsen, Hansen, Jon Roi Jacobsen, Johannesen, Olsen, Benjaminsen, Borg (Frederiksberg 66 mins), Rogvi Jacobsen, Jorgensen (Lakjuni 74), Flotum (Christian Hogni Jacobsen 63). Subs not used: Knudsen, Horg, Akselsen, Hojsted. Booked: Hansen. Goal: Rogvi Jacobsen 70.

SWITZERLAND: Zuberbuhler, Degen, Magnin, Muller, Rochat, Barnetta (Margairaz 68 mins), Vogel, Wicky (Lonfat 90), Frei, Gygax, Vonlanthen (Ziegler 77). Subs not used: Roth, Streller, Rey. Booked: Wicky. Goals: Wicky 25, Frei 73, 86.

Referee: Serge Gumienny (Belgium).