Switzerland beat Serbia 3-2 to reach last 16 of World Cup

Switzerland are through to the last 16 of the World Cup after a 3-2 win against rivals Serbia, with Nottingham Forest’s Remo Freuler grabbing the winner.

The Swiss started the game on the front foot and had three quick opportunities to score in the opening 30 seconds.

Granit Xhaka’s long-range effort was blocked before Breel Embolo had a huge chance but was thwarted by Vanja Milinkovic-Savic in the Serbia goal.

Xhaka then shot again with his right foot, but it was saved by the brother of Lazio midfielder Sergej.

Serbia were then on top until going behind to a Xherdan Shaqiri strike.

The former Liverpool and Stoke City forward performed a more muted celebration this time around after his eagle celebration against Serbia last time around saw him issued a warning from FIFA and fined over £7,600 for unsporting behaviour.

The fast start continued when Fulham’s Aleksander Mitrovic equalised with a fine header.

And soon after, his strike partner Dusan Vlahovic put Serbia ahead and into second in Group G.

However, shortly before half-time Breel Embolo made it two apiece after a nice team move from Switzerland.

Less than three minutes into the second half Switzerland were back in front.

There were handbags at the end with Xhaka getting into it with Nikola Milenkovic.

With Brazil going 1-0 down against Cameroon, the Swiss could have secured top spot with another goal.

They also could have finished third if Serbia equaliser, but they did not.