Through the first 9 games of the 2014 World Cup, we have yet to see a tie. Switzerland helped contribute to that statistic by netting a dramatic 93rd-minute goal to lift them over Ecuador.
With France expected to win the group, most think Ecuador and Switzerland are the two teams vying for the last ticket to the knock out stage.
Ecuador opened the scoring in the 22nd minute on an Enner Valencia header:
However, Ecuador failed to build on this momentum, despite getting into the box regularly. Switzerland showed that they are capable of holding possession, but if they are going to make a run in the tournament they have to capitalize on their chances. That said, Manager Ottmar Hitzfeld looked like a genius with his substitutions. In the 45th minute he brought on Admir Mehmedi, who two minutes later scored an equalizer.
Ecuador had their best chances through their wingers. Their speed was clearly an advantage and in the latter stages of the game, it was back and forth with both sides hunting for the three points. Eventual hero Haris Seferovic was subbed on in the 75’ as the pace of the game started to pick up.
Ecuador had a chance in extra time inside the box, but Switzerland’s defense held strong and the counter was on. Ecuador was slow getting back looking unworried thinking a whistle was imminent. The referee awarded Switzerland with and advantage call after a foul and they took advantage.
Haris Seferovic bolted across the box and buried the low cross.
The three points will go a long way for the Swiss. They will face France next Friday and if they get any points out of that affair they'll surely get out of the group. Unless they get some help, Ecuador will probably have to win out to get to the knockout stage. They play Honduras next Friday.
