England

2-1

Switzerland

Tanner 22 (og)
Mariner 30 

 

Pfister 77


World Cup Qualifier
Wednesday 19 November 1980
Wembley Stadium

Two first half goals were enough to take the points for England in this World Cup Qualifier, despite Switzerland's second-half comeback.

A much changed England side took to the field determined to put the previous month's defeat in Romania behind them, and in the first half they played some delightful football.

Terry McDermott, Steve Coppell and Tony Woodcock all came close as the rampant England side swept forward, but the Swiss goalkeeper Erich Burgener strove manfully to stem the tide.

However, on 22 minutes the deserved breakthrough came as Coppell's hard, low cross was deflected into the net by the unfortunate Switzerland defender Tanner.

England continued to push forward with Trevor Brooking and Steve Coppell both being denied by Burgener before Woodcock had his goal ruled out for offside.

On the half hour it was 2-0 though, as Trevor Brooking's free-kick from the left was glanced home brilliantly by Mariner, with Burgener, for once, well beaten.

After such a strong half, when England could well have scored more than two, it was disappointing that Switzerland were allowed back into the match in the second half.

Botteron and Pfister were dangerous throughout, and it was the latter who pulled a goal back for the Swiss nearing the end of the match - his first time strike from a Wehrli pass left Shilton with no chance.

England held on however and went on to qualify for the 1982 World Cup, where they fell in the second group stage.