0' Opening day in Group E, and its a plucky Ecuadorian side who are the underdogs against the young up and coming Swiss side. We've seen the South and Central American teals doing well here, and the European teams being a bit disappointing for the most part, and perhaps Ecuador can pull a surprise, but its the Swiss who are the favorites and strong ones at that.
15' Both teams coming on slightly nervously. Good back and forth play, a few opportunities but nothing seriously threatening thus far. Neither team able to string together very long possessions, with good midfield defending by both teams. A good shot by Shaqiri, and he's playing well, but not enough to beat the keeper yet.
22' Oh my its the opening goal to Ecuador. A header from a free kick that bounces infront and then above the Swiss keeper. Ecuador would do well to keep the pressure on, as this Swiss do have scoring ability in Seferevic and Shaqiri.
35' Ecuador playing well, and not allowing Switzerland to maintain possession for long stretches and develop play. The Swiss able to make a few runs in on the counter attack into space, but Ecuador closing gaps quickly. The Swiss playing slightly impatiently, sending in several shots from very far out, that won't beat the keeper 99 times out of 100, which is allowing Ecuador to counter attack themselves. Ecuador lacking finishing touch though on everything since their goal.
45' Switzerland thankful for the break at the half, not defending cleanly at all. Giving up the ball a bit too easily to Ecuador and sloppy play in the back. Ecuador unable to make the pay, and you have to think Switzerland will be able to collect themselves at the half. Still looking strong in the attack though, and both teams with chances, but the Swiss with the better looking of them, or at least, with the better finishing, but still not good enough to earn goals.
48' Well the half time break all Switzerland needed. They've come out strong and finally earn the equalizer. Its a good goal off of a corner. Mehmedi sitting in front of the keeper with a man on him the entire time, but simply rising up and reaching the ball first. Very poor defending on the set piece by Ecuador, but a well earned goal, and Switzerland now full of confidence and energy to try and take all three points from the contest.
60' Nearly the go ahead goal for Ecuador, who are testing the Swiss with their counter attacking. The Swiss looking good in the attacking third, but very shaky in midfield and in defense, which is unexpected against this Ecuadorian side. Perhaps Ecuador stronger in the attack than expected, but Switzerland will do will to sort themselves out before their next match against France.
70' A swiss goal disallowed for offside, but the Swiss attacking well out of midfield now, with several fast break opportunities, but just their finishing just slightly off, sending balls into the side netting and up over the cross bar. You have the feeling that if they can just get the shot on goal they'll be able to draw the equaliser.
73' A wonderful opportunity for Ecuador as the Swiss keeper comes out of the box but isn't able to clear the ball cleanly. The Ecuadorian striker gets a touch on but not enough to send it into goal and the Swiss defense cleans up nicely. Tense moments here as both teams seek the go ahead goal.
Final' Its nearly the game winner for Ecuador, as a forward finds himself with the ball in space. Well tackled out by the Swiss defense, and they counter and score the game winner themselves! What a sensational goal. Poor defense and marking by the Ecuadorian, and Seferevic makes an absolutely excellent run to the near post and slots it home. The final whistle goes right after the celebrations are over, and a stunner here. Switzerland escaping with three points, but they'll have to do better than they did today against France. A disappoint for Ecuador who played well, but they werent able to finish their chances today.
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