Swiss rally to see off Ecuador
Super-substitute Haris Seferovic scores in stoppage time to earn Switzerland a thrilling 2-1 win over Ecuador.
Substitute Haris Seferovic finished off a breathtaking box-to-box stoppage time counter-attack to hand Switzerland a thrilling 2-1 win over Ecuador in their World Cup Group E opener.
The Swiss had bossed possession for long periods at the Brasilia national stadium, where many thousands of fans missed the kick-off as the negotiated the lengthy security queues, but fell behind in the 22nd minute after pre-match concerns about their soft centre proved true.
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Ecuador striker Enner Valencia easily stepped away from Johan Djourou to meet Walter Ayovi’s free kick from the right with Swiss goalkeeper Diego Benaglio stuck on his line as the ball fizzed into his six yard box.
The Swiss struggled to break down the South Americans and were restricted to long shots for the remainder of the half with Swiss coach Ottmar Hitzfeld opting to introduce Admir Mehmedi at the break to help find a way through.
The forward needed just three minutes to make an impact as he beat Carlos Gruezo to head home a corner to level the scores.
Behrami saves Swiss
The Ecuadorian substitute was then guilty of dawdling in possession after trying to take an extra touch in the penalty area when he should have shot, allowing Behrami to block his effort in the dying seconds.
The Swiss, who promised a more attacking display after dour, defensive displays in the last two World Cups, then flowed forward with ambition as the South Americans, looking out on their feet, struggled to track back.
Rodriguez allowed time and space down the left to roll his cross into the area for Seferovic to smash into the roof of the net.