Brasilia: Haris Seferovic smashed a winner in the dying moments as Switzerland made some superb substitutions for a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ecuador in their Group E opener of the FIFA World Cup, here on Sunday.
Substitute Seferovic’s goal in stoppage time changed the outcome of the game sensationally as it looked headed for a draw.
Swiss coach Ottmar Hitzfeld made changes that benefited his side immensely, coming back from conceding an early goal.
The two teams were locked 1-1 after 90 minutes but a frenetic move from right to left handed Seferovic an opportunity and he slammed home the winner for his side.
With the two countries meeting for the first time in an international match, it was expected to be a contest between Switzerland’s tight defence and Ecuador’s energetic attack but it turned out to be a different story.
Ecudaor’s attack had Switzerland gasping initially as they struggled to get hold of the ball in the opening moments and took some time to settle in humid conditions.
Ecuador striker Enner Valencia headed in from close range off a free kick to put his team one-up in the 22nd minute
Stephane Lichtsteiner did his side no good when he brought down rival skipper Antonio Valencia, the Manchester United winger, as Ecuador earned a free-kick, which led to the first goal of the match. Walter Ayovi sent a well calculated free-kick and Valencia stunned the Swiss.
Rattled, Switzerland intensified their attacks and won as many as six corners but none of them could be converted. Valentin Stocker’s header went to the wrong side of the post and Valeron Behrami’s shot was easily collected by Ecuador keeper Alexander Dominguez.
However, the Europeans woke up and coach Hitzfeld’s move to replace midfielder Valentin Stocker with Admir Mehmedi immediately after the break proved a master stroke as the winger won his side the equaliser within two minute of stepping on the pitch.
Mehmedi sent in a thunderous header from inside the six-yard box to get equaliser for his side in the 47th minute.
The Swiss almost got the lead in the 70th minute but Josip Drmic’s goal was flagged by the linesman.
Seven minutes later, Seferovic was brought in for Josip Drmic up while Ecuador replaced Jefferson Montero with Joao Rojas. In the end, it was the Swiss substitution that proved lucky. (PTI)