Wales 2 - 0 Switzerland: Wales off bottom after victory

GOALS from Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale saw Wales continue their recent resurgence as victory over 10-man Switzerland in Swansea lifted them off the bottom of Euro 2012 qualifying Group G.

The contest swung decisively in favour of Wales during a lively opening to the second 45 minutes. Switzerland were reduced to 10 men after 54 minutes when former Tottenham full-back Reto Ziegler was shown a straight red for having his studs raised in a tackle on Chris Gunter, and a foul on the same player by Timm Klose six minutes later allowed Ramsey to slot his fifth international goal from the penalty spot. Bale then made the win safe as he raced on to a Steve Morison pass to beat Diego Benaglio for a first Wales goal since the sides met in Basle a year ago.

Wales boss Gary Speed had handed Swansea midfielder Joe Allen a first international start at his home ground with Craig Bellamy returning from suspension. Allen’s inclusion, and that of Ashley Williams and Neil Taylor, gave Swansea three players in a Wales starting XI for the first time since 1982.

Wales: Hennessey, Gunter, Blake, Ashley Williams, Taylor, Bale, Crofts, Ramsey, Allen, Bellamy, Morison. Subs: Myhill, Matthews, Nyatanga, Vaughan, Edwards, Robson-Kanu, Church.

Switzerland: Benaglio, Lichtsteiner, Senderos, Klose, Ziegler, Frei, Inler, Shaqiri, Xhaka, Behrami, Derdiyok. Subs: Wolfli, Von Bergen, Degen, Rodriguez, Emeghara, Fernandes, Mehmedi.