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PHOTOS: Swiss super-subs sink Ecuador
Haris Seferovic smashed a winner in the dying moments as Switzerland made some superb substitutions for a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ecuador in their Group E opener of the FIFA World Cup on Sunday.
Substitute Seferovic's goal in stoppage time changed the outcome of the game sensationally as it was headed for a draw.
Swiss coach Ottmar Hitzfeld made some superb changes and his side benefited immensely, coming back from conceding an early goal.
The two sides were locked 1-1 after 90 minutes but a frenetic move from right to left handed Seferovic an opportunity and slammed home the winner for his side.
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Enner Valencia put Ecuador ahead
With two sides meeting for the first time in an international match, it was expected to be a contest between Switzerland's tight defence and Ecuador's energetic attack. However, it turned out to be a different story.
Ecudaor's attack had Switzerland gasping initially as they struggled to get hold of the ball in the opening moments and took some time to settle in humid conditions.
The Swiss found themselves down by a goal in the 22nd minute when Ecuador striker Enner Valencia headed from close range on free-kick.
Stephane Lichtsteiner did his side no good when he brought down rival skipper Antonio Valencia, the Manchester United winger, as Ecuador earned a free-kick, which led to the first goal of the match.
Walter Ayovi sent a well-calculated free-kick and Enner Valencia headed from close range to stun the Swiss side.
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Mehmedi scored the equaliser
Rattled, Switzerland intensified attacks and won as many as six corners but none of them could be converted.
Valentin Stocker's header went to the wrong side of the post and Valeron Behrami's shot was easily collected by Ecuador keeper Alexander Dominguez.
Winger Stephane Lichtsteiner, midfielder Granit Xharka and Xherdan Shaqiri created a few good moves, but lacked execution.
However, the Europeans woke up and coach Hitzfeld's move to replace midfielder Valentin Stocker with Admir Mehmedi immediately after the break proved a master stroke as the winger won his side the equaliser within two minute of stepping on the pitch.
Mehmedi sent in a thunderous header from inside the six-yard box in the 47th minute.
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The game lacked fireworks
The game lacked fireworks till then but the equaliser saw both sides in attacking mode.
The Swiss almost got the lead in the 70th minute but Josip Drmic's goal was flagged by the linesman.
Seven minutes later, Seferovic was brought in for Josip Drmic up while Ecuador replaced Jefferson Montero with Joao Rojas.
The substitute was left unmarked at the near post and he converted a 93rd minute cross from the left following a rapid counter-attack to send Swiss fans into raptures.