Switzerland defeats Moldova 2-0 in WCup qualifier

Alex Frei and Gelson Fernandes scored a goal each Saturday to give Switzerland a 2-0 win over Moldova in a World Cup qualifier.

Frei gave the visitors the lead in the 32nd minute by going through the Moldovan defense and beating goalkeeper Stanislav Namasco with a shot from 12 meters (yards) out. Fernandes added the insurance goal in injury time on a counter attack.

Switzerland dominated possession in both halves, with no real scoring chances for the home team.

The win gives the Swiss 10 points after five matches in Group 2, while Moldova remained on a single point. The two teams play again on Wednesday in Geneva.

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Lineups:

Moldova: Stanislav Namasco, Sergiu Lascencov, Alexei Sabinov, Igor Armas (Vitalie Manoliu, 87), Victor Golovatenco, Alexandru Epureanu, Alexandru Gatcan, Artur Ionita (Eugen Cebotaru 56), Igor Bugaiov, Serghei Alexeev, Denis Calincov.

Switzerland: Diego Benaglio, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Ludovic Magnin, Philippe Senderos, Stephane Grichting, Benjamin Huggel, Tranquillo Barnetta , Gokhan Inler, Alexamder Frei, Blaise Nkufo (Gelson Fernades, 79), Marco Padalino (Eren Derdiyok, 79).