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After they dropped in Switzerland the Republic of Irelands hopes of qualifying automatically for Euro 2020 rest on next months home match with Denmark.
Victory would have booked the Irishs location but Edimilson Fernandes along with Haris Seferovic hit the aims.
A win on the Danes on 18 November will fasten qualification from Group D.
But the Irish would be at conceding a second-half punishment superbly preserved by Darren 24, Seamus Coleman, who was sent off.
After Tuesdays match had been threatened by rain, the first-half tempo of Switzerland yielded Fernandes hammered despite the efforts of Shane Duffy from the next in the closing seconds and Benfica striker Seferovic goal.
With the Republic changing into a more familiar 4-4-2 in their early formation, they created second-half pressure but the Swiss company that was held to place themselves back on track for eligibility after their defeat in Copenhagen on Saturday.
The Republic still top Group D goal difference from Denmark using Switzerland a point behind but both Danes and Swiss have matches in hand, which come from Georgia and sides Gibraltar 15 November.
Slips by the Korean against Georgia and in their final match in Gibraltar – or Denmark – only a Republic win from the Danes in their game will probably be enough to secure qualification for McCarthys side.
If the Swiss select up four points in their past two matches the Irish would need to win by 2 targets.
They might have the fallback choice of a play-off place, if this route fails.
McCarthy given a first start after his encouraging first-cap cameo at Saturday draw in Georgia but rather it was Borussia Monchengladbachs Breel Embolo who was the best attacker in the first half.
With Embolo discovering space easily, he assisted the Swiss split through the legs of Shane Duffy out a run of first-half opportunities and Seferovics ending from beyond the box undid the obvious plan of holding out and frustrating the home side of that the Republic.
After the first half had been commanded by the Swiss the Republic rallied but past having a Glenn Whelan shot blocked, had little to display in the way of chances that are clearcut.
Colemans dismissal came after he was adjudged to have managed an Embolo shot from the 76th minute, which followed his card with Arsenals Granit Xhaka.
While Fabian Schar led before Fernandes goal from the Republic woodwork in the second half substitute Ricardo Rodriguezs spot-kick was superbly saved by randolph.
The display in Saturdays 0-0 draw in Georgia of the Republic came in for criticism and McCarthy chosen for three changes in addition to the formation that was altered.
As Callum Robinson dropped out, with Preston midfielder Alan Browne brighton youngster Connolly partnered James Collins in attack.
As expected, Sheffield Uniteds Enda Stevens returned set up of Matt Doherty but has been a part of a defence alongside John Egan and Shane Duffy.
Despite Saturdays 1-0 defeat by Denmark, Swiss boss Vladimir Petkovic picked for an unchanged starting line-up as the home side quickly took charge and his faith was honored.
The signs were ominous for the visitors as Xhaka tested Randolph in the seventh minute before player of this year Seferovic blasted reduced through the legs of Duffy after Jeff Hendrick defensive header.
Duffy led a Glenn Whelan corner direct before the break but it was a Republic target effort.
After hammering his three in the formation midway through the first halfof McCarthy introduced Callum ODowda to get striker Collins plus it assisted the visitors produce some strain in the next quarter.
But with Randolph needing to tilt above a header, the Swiss continued to split out the better chances then seeing Schars header.
Connolly was replaced by Scott Hogan on 70 minutes shortly before the dismissal of Coleman as he picked up a second yellow card when conceding the penalty.
The heroic Randolph stretched to keep out Rodriguezs spot-kick but could do nothing like Fernandes blasted in from close range in the final minute of injury-time despite the attempts of Duffy.
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