Switzerland were held to a 2-2 draw against Costa Rica which ensured their qualification to the round of 16 in the group E clash at the Russia 2018 World cup.
Switzerland were far from their best against Costa Rica but secured the point they needed to progress to the World Cup knockout stages.
It was Costa Rica that came close to scoring in the early stage. Daniel Colindres picked up the ball just outside the penalty area and struck with power towards the Costa Rican goalkeeper, who made a magnificent save.
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Switzerland were the first to break the deadlock through Blerim Dzemaili. Stephan Lichtsteiner was free on the right-hand side and delivered a delightful cross into the penalty area for Embolo, who nodded the ball towards Dzemaili. Dzemaili waste no time by smashing his volley into the roof of the goal.
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Costa Rica started the second half strongly. They pressed Switzerland very well and predominately moved the ball quickly to break on the counter. Few munites time, Kendall Waston headed the ball from a corner-kick to level the scoreline.
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Switzerland even though average today, still took the lead for the second time in the game. Zakaria fired in a low cross for Drmic who smashed his first-time effort past Navas and into the goal.
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Costa Rica did not give up as they push hard to at least earn a point and they got it at the dying numbers of the game. They were rewarded with a penalty. Bryan Ruiz struck the ball off the crossbar, hit Yann Sommer’s back and slotted into the back of the Switzerland goal. It was an own goal.
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Read also Russia 2018 :Sweden thump Mexico to qualify
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Costa Rica ended the game 2-2 against Switzerland. Switzerland together with Brazil progress to the round of 16 while Costa Rica and Serbia bow out.
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