By Daily Sports on June 28, 2018

Switzerland set up a World Cup last-16 tie with Sweden after a draw with Costa Rica that featured a bizarre late penalty drama.

Vladimir Petkovic's side kicked off needing just a point from their final Group E game to reach the knockout stages for the third time in four tournaments – but Serbia's 2-0 defeat by Brazil meant they would have gone through even with a defeat.

The Swiss, though, had to settle for second place in their group and just a point – despite substitute Josip Drmic putting them 2-1 ahead in the 88th minute.

Costa Rica, already eliminated, equalised in injury time, as Bryan Ruiz's penalty hit the bar and then bounced in off Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer's head for an own goal.

Switzerland had taken a first-half lead through Blerim Dzemaili, despite a bright start from Costa Rica, but Kendall Waston headed Los Ticos level 10 minutes into the second half from Joel Campbell's corner.

Shortly after Drmic scored, Costa Rica were awarded a penalty – only for the decision to be overturned by the video assistant referee system for an offside.

Campbell was then brought down in the box, with the penalty decision standing this time, allowing Costa Rica to equalise.

Group E winners Brazil will now face Mexico, after 2014 champions Germany failed to progress from the group stage for the first time since 1938.

Switzerland do enough

Despite the controversy surrounding the 'double-headed eagle' gestures made in their victory over Serbia last time out, key figures Granit Xhaka, Xherdan Shaqiri and captain Stephan Lichtsteiner were all available for Switzerland.

The trio avoided bans from FIFA this week, instead receiving fines for unsporting behaviour after making the gesture, which symbolises the Albanian flag.

It was Lichtsteiner's cross into the box after 31 minutes that allowed Dzemaili to provide the Swiss with the breakthrough they needed - striking powerfully beyond Keylor Navas in the Costa Rican goal.

Shaqiri too looked lively from the start as he tested the Costa Rican defence but the Swiss largely rode their luck early on as Daniel Colindres struck the underside of the crossbar.

Costa Rica offered warning signs that, despite having nothing to play for, they would not roll over, and their leveller made Petkovic's side nervy.

Because of Brazil's superior goal difference, Drmic's calm, side-footed finish beyond Navas would still not have been enough for Switzerland to top the group.

With Petkovic's side seemingly happy enough just to progress, the late leveller will likely not affect their outlook heading into the knockout stages.

Indeed, Switzerland, who reached the last 16 in Brazil four years ago, have now lost just once in their past 25 matches and finished a World Cup group unbeaten for the first time since the 2006. (BBC)

•Photo shows goal celebration during the Switzerland vs Costa Rica match

Source Daily Sports

Posted June 28, 2018

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