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As soon as they dropped in Switzerland, the Republic of Irelands hopes of qualifying automatically for Euro 2020 remainder on next months home game with Denmark.
Edimilson Fernandes and Haris Seferovic hit on the goals although victory could have booked the Irishs area.
A triumph over the Danes on 18 November will secure qualification from Group D.
But the Irish would be in conceding a second-half penalty superbly saved by Darren 24, without captain Seamus Coleman, who was sent off.
After rain had threatened Tuesdays game, Switzerlands first-half stride afforded Benfica striker Seferovic target and Fernandes hammered from the next in the final seconds despite Shane Duffys efforts to keep out the close-range shot.
Together with the Republic changing to a more familiar 4-4-2 from their ancient 3-5-2 formation, they created second-half pressure however, the company that was held to put themselves back after their 1-0 defeat in Copenhagen on Saturday.
The Republic best Group D on goal difference from Denmark using Switzerland a point behind but both Danes and Swiss have matches in hand, that come against Georgia and out-of-contention sides Gibraltar respectively on 15 November.
With improbable slips by the Korean against Georgia and at their final game in Gibraltar – or Denmark – just a Republic win against the Danes in their final match will be enough to secure eligibility for McCarthys side.
If the Swiss only pick up four points from their two games, the Irish would have to win by 2 targets.
If that course fails, then they may nevertheless have a play-off places fallback option.
McCarthy passed a first start following his cameo at the uninspiring draw in Georgia of Saturday but instead it had been Borussia Monchengladbachs Breel Embolo who was the attacker in the pivotal first half.
With Embolo discovering space all too readily, he assisted the split through Shane Duffys legs out a string of chances and Seferovics ending from outside the box undid the clear method of holding out and irritating the home of the Republic.
After the first half had been controlled 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 had been adjudged to have handled an Embolo shot in the 76th minute, which followed his card with the Granit Xhaka of Arsenal.
Substitute Ricardo Rodriguezs spot-kick was beautifully saved by randolph while Fabian Schar led before Fernandes goal from the Republic woodwork in the second half.
The Republics screen in Saturdays 0-0 draw in Georgia came in for criticism and McCarthy opted for the formation as well as three modifications.
Brighton youngster Connolly partnered James Collins in attack as Callum Robinson dropped out, together with Preston midfielder Alan Browne.
As anticipated, Sheffield Uniteds Enda Stevens returned after suspension however has been a part of a defence alongside Shane Duffy and John Egan.
Regardless of Saturdays 1-0 defeat by Denmark, Swiss boss Vladimir Petkovic picked to get an unchanged and his faith was rewarded because the home side immediately took charge.
The signs were ominous for its people as Xhaka analyzed Randolph in the seventh minute before Swiss player of the year Seferovic blasted low through the legs of Duffy after Jeff Hendrick defensive header.
At keeper Yann Sommer, Duffy headed a Glenn Whelan corner right In the other end just before the break but it was a Republic goal attempt.
After abandoning his three in the formation midway during the first halfof McCarthy introduced Callum ODowda to get striker Collins also it assisted the people produce some strain in the third quarter.
But with Randolph having to tilt above a header, the Swiss continued to split out the better opportunities then seeing Schars header.
Connolly was replaced by Scott Hogan about 70 minutes before Colemans dismissal as he picked up a yellow card when conceding the penalty.
The Randolph extended to keep out Rodriguezs spot-kick but can do nothing as Fernandes blasted in despite the attempts of Duffy from close range in the final minute of injury-time.
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