SWITZERLAND'S QUALIFICATION Results 08.09.02: Georgia (h) 4-1 12.10.02: Albania (a) 1-1 16.10.02: Rep of Ireland (a) 2-1 02.04.03: Georgia (a) 0-0 07.06.03: Russia (h) 2-2 11.06.03: Albania (h) 3-2 10.09.03: Russia (a) 1-4 11.10.03: Rep of Ireland (a) 2-0 Group Ten table

Swiss coach Kobi Kuhn saw his side get off to a good start after they made light work of Georgia.

They were unable to repeat the feat away to another set of minnows, Albania, only managing a 1-1 draw despite Murat Yakin giving them the lead.

The Republic of Ireland, who were considered virtually unbeatable at Lansdowne Road, were next up for the Swiss.

Goals from Hakan Yakin and Fabio Celestini, either side of Ludovic Magnin's own goal, gave Kuhn's side a memorable victory.

After drawing 0-0 away to Georgia, their next group encounter was against Russia at home.

Switzerland appeared to be heading for a comfortable win after a brace from Alexander Frei gave them a 2-0 lead. But goals from Sergei Ignashevitch denied the Swiss three points.

A 3-2 win against Albania followed before a heavy defeat away to Russia.

That left the Swiss needing a home win against a slighly rejuvenated Republic side in order to claim the automatic qualification spot.

Thanks to goals from the reliable Hakan Yakin and the campaign's top scorer Frei, Switzerland came away from the match with their place at Euro 2004 secured.