Switzerland continued their flawless start to Group B with a composed 3-0 victory over Slovenia in Basel, making it two wins from two and extending their World Cup qualifying momentum.
Murat Yakin’s side were on the front foot early. Jan Oblak tipped Silvan Widmer’s cushioned volley over the crossbar on 17 minutes, but from the resulting Ruben Vargas corner, Nico Elvedi drifted free to guide a header into the bottom corner. The hosts pressed for a second as Vargas went close and Dan Ndoye curled narrowly wide.
Switzerland doubled the lead on 33 minutes, again from a corner. Fabian Rieder delivered, and Breel Embolo rose to nod in, his sixth goal in his last five internationals. Five minutes later, the contest was effectively settled: Granit Xhaka threaded a pass through to Remo Freuler, who squared for Ndoye to lash high into the net for 3-0.
Slovenia, on a six-match World Cup qualifying unbeaten run before this, struggled to create before the interval, with two wayward efforts from Zan Vipotnik their only sights of goal. After the break, Matjaz Kek’s side slowed the Swiss rhythm, and Benjamin Sesko finally forced Gregor Kobel into a save with a deflected strike on 65 minutes, but the home defence otherwise remained secure. Xhaka tested Oblak from range and Embolo drilled wide, as Switzerland managed the game to the finish.
The result gives the Rossocrociati a three-point lead at the top and a sixth head-to-head win in the last seven meetings between these nations. Slovenia stay on one point after their draw with Sweden and face work to do if they are to return to the finals for the first time since 2010.
