Goals: Switzerland—Mehmedi 48', Seferovic 90'+3; E. Valencia 22'
Recap: It took more than 720 minutes, but the 2014 World Cup finally saw its first bit of drama. Tied at one with Ecuador, Haris Seferovic found the match-winner in stoppage time, giving Switzerland a 2-1 victory.
Despite end-to-end action—the kind that lacked an accurate ball in the final third—it was set pieces that nearly decided the contest. A free-kick cross from Ecuador's Walter Ayovi was met by the head of Enner Valencia in the 22nd minute, giving the pair a 1-0 lead. It was enough to carry into halftime, but not the final whistle.
Just three minutes after the restart, a corner-kick header from Admir Mehmedi equalized the affair. Haris Seferovic landed the knockout blow in the third minute of stoppage time, giving Switzerland the full three points.
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Key Moment: Switzerland had the opportunity to win the match for one reason and one reason only: Valon Behrami. With Arroyo in a prime position to shoot, Vlador Behrami's sliding tackle in the box denied him. The 29-year-old wasn't finished. He immediately recovered the ball and sprung a deadly counter-attack. Determined, Behrami decided not to stay on the ground following Carlos Gruezo's tactical foul, playing the advantage. Rodriguez made the cross, Seferovic changed history, but it was Behrami's determination that made the difference between one point and three.
Man of the Match: This one belongs to Switzerland head coach Ottmar Hitzfeld. The 65-year-old made, not one, but two key substitutions that changed the match. Listless in the final third, Hitzfeld turned to the bench at halftime. His first tactical decision, Mehmedi for Valentin Stocker, made an immediate impact, equalizing in the 48th minute. His other, Seferovic for Josip Drmic, ultimately decided the contest.
Lesson Learned: No one came to Brazil to settle for a draw. Throughout the 2014 World Cup, coach's have made tactical decisions to seek the full three points. Hitzfeld was just the latest example. History is being made.
For the first time in 80 years, since 1934, there are NO DRAWS in the first NINE matches. #worldcup #WC2014
— Infostrada Sports (@InfostradaLive) June 15, 2014
Up Next: Switzerland travel to the Arena Fonte Nova to face France on June 20, while Ecuador visit the Arena da Baixada to meet with Honduras.
Note: Credit all statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (via WhoScored).
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