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Switzerland snatched an important 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland in the first leg of their World Cup playoff in Belfast on Thursday.
A second-half penalty from Ricardo Rodriguez gave the visitors a vital away goal to keep alive their hopes of reaching a fourth consecutive World Cup.
After a goalless first half, Switzerland piled on the pressure, sending wave after wave at the Northern Ireland goal.
Xherdan Shaqiri went close with a near-perfect curler toward the top corner to signal the visitors' intent just a minute after the break.
Ricardo Rodriguez celebrates his penalty against Northern Ireland. Getty Images
And Haris Seferovic was unlucky not to get on the end of an inviting cross through the six-yard box minutes later.
But Switzerland's hard work would pay off in the 58th minute -- although through controversial circumstances.
Shaqiri's long-range volley of a pulled-back Steven Zuber cross struck the upper arm of defender Corry Evans before flying out of play. Replays appeared to show Evans' arm was not outstretched, but a penalty kick was awarded nonetheless.
Rodriguez then stepped up and calmly converted from 12 yards to give Switzerland a valuable away goal ahead of Sunday's return leg in Basel.
Source: espn.co.uk
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