Substitute Haris Seferovic scored in the 90th minute Saturday to lift Switzerland to a 1-0 win over Cyprus and closer to qualifying for the World Cup.
Switzerland moved four points clear atop its group one day after closest challengers Albania and Iceland both failed to win home qualifiers.
Still, the Swiss seemed poised to waste a golden opportunity until Seferovic pounced on Xherdan Shaqiri's astute angled pass into the penalty area. The 21-year-old Fiorentina forward cleverly lifted his left-foot shot over goalkeeper Antonis Georgallides high into the net.
Switzerland had seemed destined for a second straight goalless draw against Cyprus littered with missed chances. Switzerland has four matches remaining and next hosts Iceland on Sept. 6.
Cyprus remains last in the six-team group.
