Switzerland End Togo's World Cup Adventure
June 19, 2006
Togo, who only lifted their threat to boycott the game hours before kick-off after their long-running dispute over unpaid bonuses was finally settled, were without suspended captain Jean-Paul Abalo and fellow defender Ludovic Assemoassa.
The early exchanges were frenetic, with Frei heading into Togo keeper Kossi Agassa's hands in the eighth minute, and down at the other end Mohamed Kader, who scored in Togo's opening 2-1 loss to South Korea, sparking Pascal Zuberhuler into action.
The Sparrowhawks had said they weren't in Germany to make up the numbers and the Swiss backline could vouch for that as they pressed hard for the equalizer after Ludovic Magnin crossed from the left for Tranquillo Barnetta to flick on to Frei who tapped in for Switzerland's first goal of the World Cup.
A second goal two minutes from time by Barnetta lifted Kobi Kuhn's youngsters up to the top of Group G on four points along with South Korea, who await them in their remaining first-round fixture on Friday.
Patrick Müller prevented Switzerland conceding an equalizer with a fine late tackle to deprive Kader of a clear close-range shot.
Müller was then at the heart of a vocal appeal by Togo to Paraguayan referee Carlos Amarilla for a penalty in the 33rd minute after the Lyon defender's tackle on Emmanuel Adebayor, who fell theatrically to the ground although TV replays showed he may have been tripped.
Barnetta had a shot tipped over the bar early in the second half and shortly after Frei hit over from close range.
Togo had Agassa to thank for keeping the Swiss from extending their lead, the keeper doing well to deny second-half substitute Hakan Yakin on the hour but he was almost caught out by a Frei pot shot from near the halfway line.