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International round-up: Schär's Switzerland qualify for World Cup

Written by Dan King

Fabian Schär's Switzerland booked their place at next year's World Cup in Qatar on Monday night - with a little bit of help from Jamal Lewis and Northern Ireland.

Schär's side beat Bulgaria 4-0 in Lucerne, with the Newcastle United defender starting the game before coming off for Eintracht Frankfurt's Djibril Sow in the seventh minute of stoppage time.

Meanwhile his Magpies team-mate Lewis played the full match for Northern Ireland against Italy, who began the night at the top of Group C on goal difference.

But a 0-0 draw in Belfast saw Switzerland leapfrog the Euro 2020 winners, who will now have to battle through a play-off if they're to qualify for Qatar.

Lewis was solid defensively against Italy's attacking talent while also providing a constant outlet on the left, particularly in the second half when he crossed for George Saville, who brought a fine save from Gianluigi Donnarumma, and then for Stuart Dallas, who shot wide.

The point, along with Bulgaria's defeat, meant that Northern Ireland finished a creditable third in the group.

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