Swiss set up Sweden clash after pulsating draw
NIZNHY NOVGOROD, Russia, (Reuters) Switzerland set aside politics and Costa Rica broke their World Cup duck in a thrilling 2-2 draw yesterday that saw the Europeans through to the next round where they will face Sweden.
Pre-match attention had focussed on Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri’s “eagle” celebrations in their last game in honour of their Albanian roots, while Costa Rica had taken flak at home for failing to score at the tournament.
Yet this time, the Swiss kept their focus purely on the game to keep the already-eliminated but still lively Central Americans at bay and ensure passage from Group E.
After withstanding plenty of early pressure, the Swiss took a 31st minute lead against the run of play when forward Blerim Dzemaili blasted past Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas from close range following a nod down from Breel Embolo.
Costa Rica had twice hit the woodwork in a frustrating opening 15 minutes of missed chances, but finally scored their first goal in Russia when defender Kendall Waston powered home Joel Campbell’s corner in the 56th minute.
That triggered mass celebrations like they had won the trophy, as players mobbed coach Oscar Ramirez who has been facing stinging personal criticism in Costa Rica.
In a frenetic finale, substitute Josip Drmic restored Switzerland’s lead when he drilled home in the 88th minute, before Costa Rica captain Bryan Ruiz’s stoppage time penalty struck the bar and went in off goalkeeper Yann Sommer’s back for an own goal and 2-2 draw.
In between those two late strikes, Costa Rica appeared