Switzerland beat Greece while Latvia stun Israel

Switzerland are a big step closer to next year’s World Cup following a crucial 2-0 victory over Greece. Latvia now threaten Greek’s second place, having beaten Israel 0-1.

Both goals in the match between Switzerland and Greece, joint leaders ahead of Saturday’s games, were scored in the last ten minutes. Stephane Grichting broke the deadlock in the 83rd minute and Marco Padalino made it 2-0 five minutes later.

The Greeks had been a man down since minute 42, when defender Loukas Vyntra conceded a second yellow card.

Israel saw their World Cup chances reduced as they suffered a painful 0-1 defeat by Latvia. The only goal of the match was scored by Kaspars Gorkss in the 59th minute.

Moldova and Luxembourg, the two bottom teams in this group, held each other to a goalless draw.

Switzerland lead with 16 points from seven games, three points ahead of Greece and Latvia. Israel are fourth with nine points.