Switzerland improved their chances of qualifying for the World Cup when Alex Frei scored a late winner in their 1-0 victory over unfancied Cyprus.
Outplayed by the islanders for much of the first half, the Swiss dominated after the break but had to wait until two minutes from time to claim all three points when Frei headed in a cross by Ludovic Magnin.
It was the Rennes striker's 17th goal in 34 appearances for Switzerland and raised their points tally to nine points from five games, the same as Ireland and one point less than group leaders France and Israel who drew 1-1 in Tel Aviv.
The Swiss have a game in hand over France and Israel.
Having themselves taken on the role of underdogs in Saturday's goalless draw in France, the Swiss seemed uncomfortable with their status as hot favourites for most of Wednesday's match.
With only one point from their five previous Group Four matches, Cyprus missed several chances to take a shock lead early on, most notably through PAOK Saloniki striker Michalis Constantinou.
The Cypriots' misfortune was compounded in injury time when stand-in goalkeeper Nikos Panayiotou was sent off for a professional foul on teenage striker Johan Vonlanthen.
Switzerland (0) 1 Cyprus (0) 0
Switzerland: Zuberbuhler, Muller, Senderos, Degen, Spycher (Magnin 82), Lonfat (Yakin 62), Cabanas, Vogel, Gygax, Frei, Ziegler (Vonlanthen 42).
Subs Not Used: Roth, Henchoz, Huggel, Rey.
Booked: Lonfat.
Cyprus: Panagiotou, Louka, Lambrou, Makrides, Krassias (Yiasoumi 81), Okkas, Charalambidis, Constantinou, Satsias, Elia, Garpozis (Aloneftis 90). Subs Not Used: Morfis, Okkarides, Filaniotis, Michael, Constanti.
Att: 16,066
Ref: Stuart Dougal (Scotland).
