WORLD CUP 2018 - GROUP E

Switzerland and drew Costa Rica 2-2 and the Europeans finished second in Group E which was enough for them to enter the knockout stages of the competition.

Switzerland went into this game knowing a draw would be sufficient for progression and whilst opponents Costa Rica were unable to qualify they possessed enough pedigree to suggest this would not be any easy game for the Europeans.

Costa Rica reached the quarter-finals in Brazil but in this tournament late goals against Brazil and Serbia sent them home early and their display against the Swiss certainly warranted a point and the late leveler was deserved.

Switzerland took the lead just after the half hour when Blerim Dzemaili collected Breel Emblo's headed pass and finished smartly.

Yet Costa Rica looked lively and it was no surprise when they levelled after the break as Kendall Waston headed home a Joel Campbell with a cross.

At this stage the Swiss looked like they would settle for a draw but substitute Josip Drmic thumped a Breel Embolo cross against the post and the same player seemed to have clinched the win with his strike in the 88th minute.

But Costa Rica drew level deep into injury time when they were awarded a penalty. Bryan Ruiz fired his spot-kick off the underside of the bar, on to the back of keeper Yann Sommer's head and over the line.

Switzerland will now take on Sweden in the knockout stages.

Switzerland: 2 (Dzemaili 31 Drmic 88)

Costa Rica: 2 (Waston 56 Sommer og 90)

Nizhny Novgorod Stadium