Scots suffer Swiss setback

Wednesday, 01, Mar 2006 11:23

Scotland's revival under Walter Smith was hit by a 3-1 defeat to World Cup-bound Switzerland at Hampden Park.

The Scots started brightly and created a couple of good chances for James McFadden and Kenny Miller but it was the Swiss who took the lead on 21 minutes.

Ricardo Cabanas crossed into the area and Tranquillo Barnetta broke away from his marker to slam the ball into the net from 15 yards.

Barnetta then turned provider three minutes before the break as Daniel Gygax headed home his cross.

Scotland's hard work was rewarded 13 minutes into the second-half as substitute Gary Teale's long ball found Miller, who run through to slot the ball past Fabio Colorti.

However, with 20 minutes to go, the Swiss polished off the game as Cabanas played a neat one-two with Marcus Streller before hammering the ball into the roof of the net from a tight angle.

In Cardiff, Wales held Paraguay to a 0-0 draw at the Millennium Stadium.

Wales manager John Toshack handed 17-year-old Lewin Nyatanga his debut to become Wales' youngest full international ever at 17 years and 195 days.

However, this was the most memorable moment for the Welsh fans as former Southampton goalkeeper Paul Jones was forced into a number of good saves during the game to deny England's first World Cup opponents.