Switzerland have missed their chance to go four points clear at the top of World Cup qualifying Group E after being held to a goalless draw by a dogged Cyprus.

Gokhan Inler for Switzerland had the first shot on target, but his effort from just outside the box was comfortably saved by Antonis Georgallides.

At the other end on 10 minutes, Kristis Theofilou created a small bit of space but his shot was deflected behind.

It was quite an end-to-end first half but the finishing left a lot to be desired as both Xherdan Shaqiri for the Swiss and Dimitris Christofi for Cyprus missed the target.

Switzerland started to take control but it was the hosts who came closest to scoring when Constantinos Charalambidis clipped the post.

Switzerland remained the better side with Johan Djourou heading wide from a corner and there was some alert defending to close down Shaqiri whenever he shaped to shoot.

In the end the deadlock remained unbroken and both sides took a point each.