Tensions flared on the pitch given the obvious geo-political rivalry between Serbia and Switzerland, but it was the Swiss players who had the last laugh as they won 3-2 to join Brazil in the Round of 16 stage of the FIFA World Cup from Group G.
Even the final set of group stage matches at the tournament in Qatar held plenty of excitement, drama, pulsating tension, and riveting action. Switzerland had the last laugh in their fierce rivalry with Serbia as they won 3-2 on the pitch to reach the knockout rounds of the World Cup for the third successive time.
The emotion-filled contest ebbed and flowed at a crazy intensity as both sets of players were determined to leave their blood and sweat on the pitch for bragging rights as well as a ticket to the round of 16 stage.
Xherdan Shaqiri was the first to draw blood as he put Switzerland ahead at the 20th-minute mark. Djibril Sow picked him up at the edge of the box and he fired a swerving shot with his left foot that took a deflection off the defender and nestled into the back of the net.
Joy was short-lived for Switzerland as Serbia’s tall centre-forwards Aleksandr Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic scored twice in the space of almost 10 minutes to fire their side into the lead of the contest. Switzerland restored parity through Breel Embolo before going into the half-time break.
They emerged stronger on the other side of the break and secured their match-winning goal through Remo Freuler was picked out by Shaqiri, and he tucked it home from close range to restore their goal advantage and secure the win.
Emotions simmered and finally spilled onto the pitch in the closing stages as the two sets of players collided and butted heads. Switzerland joined Brazil as the runners-up from Group G.
Elsewhere, the table-toppers were dealt a massive surprise as Cameroon scored the only goal of the night through Vincent Aboubakar to pull off a historic 1-0 victory. The former Porto striker, who had earlier received a yellow card, took his shirt off to celebrate what proved to be the first win for an African nation against the five-time world champions.
He was sent off after a second yellow, but it goes without saying that it wouldn’t bother him one bit as his side held on for all three points against the Selecao, who started the game without several of their stars.
