The hosts scored six second-half goals – three from the penalty spot – and the celebrations started when news of Slovenia’s draw with Lithuania filtered through to St. Gallen
Michael Lang’s first-half goal was added to from penalties by Gokhan Inler, Johan Djourou and Breel Embolo and efforts from Admir Mehmedi, Pajtim Kasami and Eren Derdiyok. Lang broke the deadlock after 17 minutes. Ricardo Rodriguez’s corner was flicked on by Embolo to the far post, where Lang arrived unmarked to steer home. That was the only moment the home fans had to cheer in the first half as San Marino goalkeeper Aldo Simoncini denied Inler, Kasami and Djourou.