Swiss survive tense finish

Switzerland - 3 Albania - 2 Switzerland maintained their lead in Group 10 with a narrow victory over Albania in the Stade de Geneve last night.

Koebi Kuhn's side held on in the closing stages to move to 12 points, two ahead of Ireland after their win at Lansdowne Road.

Russia, who have a game in hand, have seven with Albania now out of it on five.

Defender Bernt Haas put Switzerland in front with a header from Hakan Yakin's corner after 10 minutes, only for Altin Lala to level for Albania after 23 minutes.

Alexander Frei, who scored both goals in Switzerland's 2-2 draw with Russia on Saturday, put the hosts back in front shortly after the half-hour mark, before having another effort cleared off the goalline by Arian Bellaj.

Midfielder Ricardo Cabanas added a third for Switzerland after 72 minutes, before an Ervin Skela penalty four minutes from time set up a tense finale.

SWITZERLAND: Stiel, Haas, Murat Yakin, Berner, Cabanas, Wicky (Spycher 64), Hakan Yakin, Frei (Celestini 83), Chapuisat, Vogel, Henchoz (Zwyssig 75). Subs Not Used: Magnin, Zuberbuehler, Meyer, Rama. Booked: Berner. Goals: Haas 10, Frei 32, Cabanas 72.

ALBANIA: Strakosha, Elvin Beqiri, Cipi (Cana 46), Haxhi, Bellai, Klodian Duro (Dragusha 73), Lala, Skela, Tare, Bushi (Rraklli 62), Aliaj. Subs Not Used: Beqaj, Dede, Fakaj, Myrtaj. Booked: Tare, Elvin Beqiri, Lala, Aliaj. Goals: Lala 23, Skela 85 pen.

Referee: S Bennett (England).