Soccer #worldcup2018: Serbia vs Switzerland

Switzerland became the first team in this year’s World Cup to come from a goal down when they beat Serbia 2-1 in a riveting Saturday night late show.

Serbia were quickly out the blocks and Aleksandar Mitrovic had a header saved but a minute later nailed another one to put the Serbs ahead 1-0 in the 5th minute.

The big, old fashioned striker, who plays his club football for Fulham (on loan from Newcastle) used his height and power to good advantage to make the early statement of intent as his side continued to press.

In fact, the first Swiss effort on target only came in the 30th when Blerim Dzemaili came close to equalising.

With plenty at stake the game was a tense one, therefore always a bit frantic with hurried shots and clearances.

The situation called for some calm heads and it was Switzerland who obliged after the break, stringing patient passes together and not forcing the pace.

They were rewarded in the 51st minute when Xherden Shaqiri’s attempt was blocked and the ball rebounded to Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka, who rasped his shot home from outside the box to tie the contest at 1-1.

Man of the match Shaqiri with his fast feet and low centre of gravity was always a tough man to dispossess and two minutes minutes later whipped in a stunning left footer that grazed the left post

He was not to be denied his moment of glory and with regular time expired he ran half the length of the field, outpaced the sole Serbian defender and slid the ball under the advancing keeperfor a 2-1 lead they were able to hold onto as the heavens opened.

Switzerland ‘reigned’ as the final whistle blew and now share top spot with Brazil on four points each.

Serbia have three, but must face Brazil in their last Group E fixture while the Swiss take on pointless Costa Rica and are in pole position to go through to the knockout stage.