New Delhi:
European champions Portugal booked a place in next year's World Cup at Russia with a comprehensive 2-0 win over Switzerland on Tuesday. Cristiano Ronaldo's side ended their rivals' perfect record in Group B after an own goal by Johan Djourou set them on their way.
With midfielder Bernardo Silva putting up a live wire performance for Portugal, the hosts drew level on 27 points with Switzerland and won the group on goal difference.
The unlucky Djourou put the ball through his own net four minutes before halftime and Andre Silva sealed the victory in the 57th minute with his ninth goal of the campaign.
Switzerland will now enter a playoff over two legs with another European group runner-up in November for a place in Russia. The draw for the playoffs will be held next Tuesday.
Panama qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time on Tuesday after a 2-1 victory over Costa Rica in the final round of CONCACAF qualifiers that also saw Honduras pip the United States to a playoff place against Australia.
Honduras beat Mexico 3-2 to set up a date with the Socceroos in November, while the United States lost 2-1 to Trinidad & Tobago and will be absent from the World Cup finals for the first time since 1986.
