Some of the enthusiasm that greeted Ireland's encouraging draw with Belgium curdled as the Swiss inflicted a 1-0 defeat on the hosts on Tuesday.
Here are the player ratings after what may be John O'Shea's final game as Ireland manager - for the time being.
Gavin Bazunu 5
An evening which hardly helped his cause in the tussle for the No. 1 jersey. Positioning was naturally questioned after being beaten by Xherdan Shaqiri's low free-kick to his right hand side. Would certainly have been culpable had Granit Xhaka's shot from distance crept inside the post following a poor clearance.
Perhaps spooked by Caoimhin Kelleher being handled the jersey for Saturday's game? Probably has been leap-frogged in the pecking order, though who knows what view the incoming manager will take (he could be the same as the interim manager).
Seamus Coleman 7
Had relatively little joy in attack in the first half, where he kept being caught offside when trying to exploit the Swiss high defensive line.
Was a confident and reassuring presence when asked to shift into the back three after Matt Doherty's introduction for Omobamidele.
Frustrating moment at the end, when he danced elegantly past a dangerous Swiss press but then sprayed a crossfield ball over the head of Ferguson.
Was booked for what was - in old money - a pretty flawless slide tackle in the final five minutes.
Unfortunately, the linesman standing near was impressed by the power of the Swiss player's injured yelp.
Andrew Omobamidele 6
Looked a threat on set-pieces, even if he and Ferguson had the misfortune to head the same ball at one point.
Was outmuscled in a battle for possession after being caught in the wrong position for a Swiss ball over the top. Led to a dangerous situation.
Passing wasn't especially tidy. Was whipped off not long after half-time.
Nathan Collins 6
One rather shaky moment in the second half when he got his body in an awkward spot when attempting to deal with a through ball and O'Shea beside him had to bail him out.
Otherwise, a decent display from the centre-half, who tossed in a Cruyff turn in the opening moments.
Dara O'Shea 6
Protested that the free-kick that resulted in Shaqiri's goal was a dive from his Burnley clubmate Zeki Amdouni but it was a rash lunge and there may have been marginal contact.
Otherwise, a competent enough performance. Showed a terrific burst of pace to close off the danger on a late Swiss breakaway.
Robbie Brady 6
Decently energetic display from Brady, previously something of a forgotten man in the Irish set-up. Curled in a fine looping cross for Doherty at the back post, which teed up an overhead attempt for Adam Idah.
Still a little jumpy in possession and passing fairly ragged after half-time. Wasn't alone in that, though.
Josh Cullen 6
Like the rest of the midfield, a relative passenger in the first half as the visitors comfortably zinged passes through the middle third.
Better second-half performance as he succeeded in breaking up several Swiss attacks and pushing Ireland forward. Alas, somewhat better off the ball than on it.
Jason Knight 5
Struggled to make an impact on a night when Ireland were outnumbered in the middle of the pitch. Failure to scan and spot a run in behind from Szmodics provoked groans around the ground. Simply passed the way he was facing to Johnston on the left hand side. Did well to get to the endline and curl over a cross for Johnston late in the first half but otherwise a lean evening.
Sammie Szmodics 6
Irish football's addiction to venerating the 'new thing' must be reckoned with here. Nonetheless, probably the slickest and most confident player in green, in the first half at least. Tough and passing crisp and spread the play with some pinpoint crossfield balls.
Became a more peripheral figure as the game wore on, though was warmly applauded when called ashore with 10 minutes remaining.
Mikey Johnston 6
In electric form for West Brom though that failed to replicate this evening. When he did get to the end-line, his crosses and cut-backs tended to find the wrong jersey.
Had a great headed opportunity at the back post shortly before half-time. Did well to steal in front of the full-back but looked rather uncomfortable when meeting it with his forehead. The ball sailed over the corner of the crossbar. Was withdrawn soon into the second half.
Evan Ferguson 6
Cut a dejected figure throughout the game, and looked more than slightly fed up at the final whistle.
Betrayed a lack of confidence when failing to drive at the penalty box when an opening appeared, instead opting to cut one back for Cullen, who slid his shot by the near post.
Did show occasional flashes of his flair, such as a beautiful back-heel to Idah midway through the second half. But generally living off scraps, poorly served by Ireland's final ball.
Subs:
Matt Doherty 6
Introduced for Omobamidele before the hour mark. Fairly characteristic display from then. Shows flashes of flair and subtlety which create near-openings - especially when cutting infield - but lacks the pace or conviction to deliver an end product.
Used his body well to avert a situation on a Swiss breakaway near the end. Martin O'Neill has been famously scathing about his defensive diligence.
Will Smallbone 5
Flitted around with his characteristic elegance but was unable to make any impact at the right end of the pitch. Rather ineffective.
Adam Idah 7
Buzzed around to fine effect on his introduction. Brought some great directness and purpose to Ireland's attack. Used his body well on a couple of occasions to manufacture free-kicks. Indications that the move to Celtic has boosted his confidence.
Ended up wincing on the small of his back after a failed overhead kick attempt not long after coming on. Perhaps cushioning the ball off to the arriving Ferguson would have been the more prudent option but the striker envisioned his name in lights.
Callum O'Dowda N/A
Not on long to be rated.
Mark Sykes N/A
Ditto. Very disappointing cross from the right when Ireland had a promising breakaway, although that problem is endemic.
Finn Azaz N/A
Not on long enough to be rated but did finagle his way into the box before opting not to pull the trigger in time. Would have been probably the quickest goal in the history of any Ireland career. Though, we're of course open to correction. Sounded extremely chuffed afterwards to make his international debut, as well.
Watch Shamrock Rovers v Bohemians in the League of Ireland on Friday from 7.35pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app
