Swiss optimistic for Dublin game

REP OF IRELAND V SWITZERLAND Kick-off: 1945 BST, Wednesday, 12 October Venue: Lansdowne Road, Dublin Updates on Five Live and this website Kerr relieved after victory Cyprus 0-1 Rep of Ireland World Cup qualifying photos

Switzerland boss Koebi Kuhn will emphasise his side's recent superiority over the Republic of Ireland ahead of Wednesday's vital World Cup qualifier.

The Swiss beat the Republic home and away in the last European Championship campaign and had the better of the 1-1 draw in Basel 13 months ago.

"We'll certainly bear in mind the fact that we beat Ireland the last time we played them in Dublin," said Kuhn.

"But we know we will be taking on a team who are not easy to beat."

Following their impressive 1-1 draw at home to France on Saturday, the Swiss can virtually guarantee top spot in European qualifying Group Four - and an automatic berth at next year's finals in Germany - by beating the Irish at Lansdowne Road.

"If we do win, the French will have to score at least four more goals that we do, which I don't think will be an easy matter against Cyprus."

Kuhn's men will go into the high-pressure Dublin contest unbeaten in 12 games and up against an Irish team which were extremely fortunate to win 1-0 in Cyprus on Saturday.

"The atmosphere in Dublin will be like a cauldron but there will be pressure on the Irish too as they have to win to have any chance of reaching the finals.

For me, it's clear that the French will win Swiss boss Koebi Kuhn

"I think it will come down to which team has recovered best from Saturday's matches, who has the better stamina and who copes best with the situation."

Unlike Ireland, Switzerland would be guaranteed at least a play-off spot as group runners-up in the event of a draw although Kuhn is playing down any effect this might have on his tactics.

"Our primary aim will of course be to win," said the coach, who will turn 62 on the day of the match.

"Knowing that we cannot afford to lose might have some bearing later on in the match but we're not the sort of team who can play for a 0-0 draw - that's not our style."

With Switzerland, France and Ireland all still capable of topping group four and Israel still in the hunt for second, Kuhn also insisted that he would not be worrying about the scoreline of Wednesday's other group match.

"For me, it's clear that the French will win that match which means we'll be level on points - provided we beat Ireland," Kuhn said.

Kuhn hinted that his starting line-up in Dublin would be similar to that which he named against France with any changes likely to depend on how well individual players have recovered from Saturday's exertions.