Sweden's World Cup hopes in shreds after 2-0 defeat by Switzerland

STOCKHOLM :Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka scored from the spot as his side beat Sweden 2-0 in their World Cup qualifying Group B clash on Friday, leaving the Swedes' hopes of qualifying for next year's finals hanging by a thread after another dismal display. 

Switzerland top the group with a perfect nine points from their opening three games, with Kosovo second on four points and Slovenia third on two after they played out a scoreless draw in Pristina. The Swedes are bottom with a point. 

The hosts were outplayed throughout, with Switzerland taking the lead in the 65th minute after Alexander Bernhardsson sent Djibril Sow sprawling in the box with a push in the back, and Xhaka blasted the resulting penalty straight down the middle.

A frustrating night for the Swedes was punctuated when Swiss substitute Johan Manzabi's tame effort was deflected past keeper Viktor Johansson in second-half stoppage time, condemning them to a second defeat in three games that leaves their qualifying chances in tatters.