Switzerland set up an exciting finale to Group G with a well executed 2-0 win over new boys Togo who after two defeats bow out. Dortmund played host to an entertaining game in which goals from Alexander Frei and Tranquillo Barnetta proved enough to secure a vital victory.
After a disappointing performance in the second half against Korea in which they capitulated, Togo started with the same side as in their first game. Led by Mohamed and Adebayor they looked to use their aerial strength to threaten the Swiss, whose main strengths were Frei’s pace and their excellent defensive capabilities.
As early as the fifth minute they showed their attacking ability with some great play down the right hand side resulting in an excellent shot from central midfielder Cabanas. Agassa in the Togo goal saw the ball late for definite but was able to hang on with Frei pressing for any rebounds.
Despite uncertainty about their own performances due to rows over bonus payments, the Togolese team played well despite their obvious handicap. Adebayor flicked onto Kader who failed to trouble the keeper and moments later the Arsenal striker had a penalty claim turned down despite appearing to be tugged back.
Still raving about the penalty decision Togo lost concentration and were a goal down moments later. Magnin drove down the left before crossing into the patch Vogel whose side footed volley fell excellently for Frei whose change of feet was excellent in enabling him to finish from close range. The goal was deserved but a little harsh on Togo who despite their early possession could create little more than half chances after going behind.
Good plan from Mohamed and Adebayor however did lead to a good chance but Senderos closed down well and forced the striker’s shot to spin wildly but weakly into the keepers hands. Indeed a chance fell moments later to Mohamed again after a miss kick from the same defender who had shut him down earlier but his driven shot was well off target as Togo looked to be suffering from stage fright.
The second half began with Togo hitting the gas in search of a goal early on but it was Barnetta who produced a good save from Agassa at the other end in the early stages.
Despite conceding much of the possession to their opponents they still looked the most likely team to score and their experience began to tell as they turned Togo pressure into attacks on almost every occasion.
Yakin was denied once more by an excellent save but it seemed as if it would not be long before another goal came along. It almost came in bizarre fashion as Togo’s goalkeeper found himself rapidly backpedaling to prevent the ball lobbing him from fifty yards, the outrageous shot from Barnetta almost embarrassed and surprised the Africans who still pressed for their first World Cup point.
Their quest was a fruitless one however as Barnetta, tormentor in chief, made it 2-0 in style. After the ball flashed around the edge of the box, he was found in space by a team mate and drove the ball with unerring accuracy into the far corner of the goal.
The Swiss were delighted with three points from a tough game whilst Togo once more learnt a harsh lesson from their first experience of International football at the highest level.
After a disappointing performance in the second half against Korea in which they capitulated, Togo started with the same side as in their first game. Led by Mohamed and Adebayor they looked to use their aerial strength to threaten the Swiss, whose main strengths were Frei’s pace and their excellent defensive capabilities.
As early as the fifth minute they showed their attacking ability with some great play down the right hand side resulting in an excellent shot from central midfielder Cabanas. Agassa in the Togo goal saw the ball late for definite but was able to hang on with Frei pressing for any rebounds.
Despite uncertainty about their own performances due to rows over bonus payments, the Togolese team played well despite their obvious handicap. Adebayor flicked onto Kader who failed to trouble the keeper and moments later the Arsenal striker had a penalty claim turned down despite appearing to be tugged back.
Still raving about the penalty decision Togo lost concentration and were a goal down moments later. Magnin drove down the left before crossing into the patch Vogel whose side footed volley fell excellently for Frei whose change of feet was excellent in enabling him to finish from close range. The goal was deserved but a little harsh on Togo who despite their early possession could create little more than half chances after going behind.
Good plan from Mohamed and Adebayor however did lead to a good chance but Senderos closed down well and forced the striker’s shot to spin wildly but weakly into the keepers hands. Indeed a chance fell moments later to Mohamed again after a miss kick from the same defender who had shut him down earlier but his driven shot was well off target as Togo looked to be suffering from stage fright.
The second half began with Togo hitting the gas in search of a goal early on but it was Barnetta who produced a good save from Agassa at the other end in the early stages.
Despite conceding much of the possession to their opponents they still looked the most likely team to score and their experience began to tell as they turned Togo pressure into attacks on almost every occasion.
Yakin was denied once more by an excellent save but it seemed as if it would not be long before another goal came along. It almost came in bizarre fashion as Togo’s goalkeeper found himself rapidly backpedaling to prevent the ball lobbing him from fifty yards, the outrageous shot from Barnetta almost embarrassed and surprised the Africans who still pressed for their first World Cup point.
Their quest was a fruitless one however as Barnetta, tormentor in chief, made it 2-0 in style. After the ball flashed around the edge of the box, he was found in space by a team mate and drove the ball with unerring accuracy into the far corner of the goal.
The Swiss were delighted with three points from a tough game whilst Togo once more learnt a harsh lesson from their first experience of International football at the highest level.