VIENNA/PRISTINA: Neighbours Austria and Switzerland both found their own way into the World Cup finals on the final matchday of the European group qualifying series.

Switzerland qualified despite being held 1-1 by Kosovo as Florent Muslija’s superb strike cancelled out Ruben Vargas’ early second-half goal for the visitors.

The Nati finished top of Group B with 14 points, completing an unbeaten qualifying campaign. Kosovo secured second place with 11 points and a berth in March’s European playoffs, as they chase a first-ever World Cup appearance.

Vargas broke the deadlock 90 seconds after the inteval, converting a through ball from Djibril Sow. Kosovo levelled in the 74th minute through Muslija.

Austria qualified with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Group H after snatching a 77th minute equaliser through Michael Gregoritsch. It will be their first appearance at a World Cup since 1998.

Bosnia had taken a 12th-minute lead through a Haris Tabakovic header. They compete in the playoffs in March.

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