Last gasp win for Swiss

A goal deep in stoppage-time by Haris Seferovic gave Switzerland a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ecuador in their Group E opener at the World Cup on Sunday. 

A low-quality match looked destined to end in a draw until substitute Seferovic fired home the winner from close range in the last of three minutes of injury time. Ecuador barely had time to restart before the final whistle was blown. 

The opening goal

Enner Valencia had given Ecuador the lead in the 22nd minute at Estadio Nacional in the Brazilian capital.

That came after abject defending and Switzerland’s equaliser in the 48th was in the same vein, Admir Mehmedi — another substitute — heading home from close range. 

It was the fifth time in nine matches so far at this World Cup that a team had come from behind to win. 

After being among the bores of the last two World Cups, it was expected to be all change for Switzerland — ranked No. 6 by FIFA and the top-seeded team in a group also containing France and Honduras.