Slovenia beat Norway 3-0 and trails Iceland by one point in the race for a playoff place. Slovenia travels to Switzerland on Tuesday and Iceland gores to Norway.
Switzerland will go to Brazil next year looking to banish memories of two disappointing exits on the World Cup stage.
In South Africa in 2010, Switzerland beat eventual champion Spain in its opening match but failed to advance from the group stage after completing its program with a tame 0-0 draw against Honduras.
In 2006, Switzerland reached the round of 16 in Germany but failed to score in a penalty shootout against Ukraine after another scoreless draw.
This Switzerland team seems more confident and talented epitomized by Bayern Munich midfielder Shaqiri.
Shaqiri, who has Albanian family roots, created Switzerland's best chance in the first half. He chipped a cross toward Valentin Stocker whose header struck the base of a post.
The 22-year-old Swiss star struck in the 48th minute, after collecting a misplaced shot from Granit Xhaka, another teammate with Albanian roots.
Right-back Lang sealed the victory in the 78th by hooking his left-foot shot from close range after controlling the loose ball from a free kick.
Hitzfeld has rewarded the Swiss federation for extending his contract early in 2012 when many fans and media wanted the venerable German coach to leave.
"For me personally, I'm very happy and I want to thank the association for giving me their confidence after missing qualification for Euro 2012," Hitzfeld said.
