Dortmund: Switzerland striker Alex Frei said the second strike in their 2-0 win over Togo on Monday was vital as they moved top of Group G on goal difference.
"Of course, that was important," Frei said of Tranquillo Barnetta's goal after 88 minutes following Frei's strike in the 16th that leaves the Swiss needing just a draw to qualify.
"Our coach told us at halftime that we had to score a second and we did. The 2-0 victory is ideal," added Frei after the Swiss moved on to four points and above South Korea.
Switzerland coach Kobi Kuhn agreed with his striker, saying: "The 2-0 victory gives us more hope because we don't absolutely have to win our next match (against South Korea on Friday).
"The players knew that in the last minutes we needed to do everything to score another."
"It wasn't easy against Togo. They had two very strong strikers and a midfield they pulled back."
Frei also paid tribute to Togo on their World Cup debut. "There are no easy teams," he said.
"Togo was a strong opponent, they have good players. The sentiment in the team is great."
Togo coach Otto Pfister complained that his team should have had a penalty when Emmanuel Adebayor was brought down in the area by Patrick Mueller after 35 minutes.
"The Swiss didn't have a lot of chances. They just used their opportunities better than us. The fact that we didn't get that penalty call was unbelievable though," said Pfister.
"One shouldn't criticise the referee because if you do you get punished immediately," Pfister said.
"Anyone who sees the replay will come to the right conclusion and I think we were unlucky with the refereeing."
"We can't be happy, but the team is here to learn and I think they put on a good show," added the German coach.
"I think the players gave 100 per cent effort but with the problems we've had, we couldn't play any better. We can only congratulate the Swiss team because they won deservedly."
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