Dodgy penalty call sends unconvincing Switzerland to World Cup

A questionable penalty in the first leg proved the difference between Switzerland and Northern Ireland, as the unconvincing Swiss advanced to a fourth consecutive World Cup on Sunday.

Ricardo Rodriguez produced a massive goal-line clearance in the 91st minute to preserve the 0-0 draw in Basel and prevent the contest from going to extra time.

Northern Ireland had to score at least once to overturn a 1-0 deficit from a controversial opening leg. Vladimir Petkovic's side earned the advantage in Belfast after being awarded a penalty for a questionable handball offence.

Incidentally, it was Rodriguez who converted that fatal spot-kick.

"Ultimately we've gone out to a poor decision in the first leg. Our performance and reaction tonight was fabulous. We were the better team," Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill told Sky Sports afterward. "We had to ride our luck at times but we were pushing until the 94th minute. The players are devastated but I couldn't be any prouder."

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

Neither side could do much of consequence under rain and snowfall at St. Jakob Park. The pitch turned into a mosh pit as the match went on, making it difficult to play any kind of counter-attacking football.

But there were still opportunities to be had. Presented with several chances inside the penalty area, Swiss striker Haris Seferovic couldn't find a way to extend his nation's aggregate lead.

Northern Ireland goalkeeper Michael McGovern also made a couple of big saves to keep the visitor in it.

Unfortunately for the Euro 2016 quarter-finalist, it couldn't beat Yann Sommer in the opposite net and erase the pain of last Thursday's narrow defeat.