Switzerland secured their place in the World Cup last 16 with a five- goal victory over Serbia.

Xherdan Shaqiri gave Switzerland an early lead as they knew a draw would be enough to qualify.

In the first half, Serbia went from being down to being up thanks to goals from Dusan Vlahovic and Aleksandar Mitrovich.

Switzerland's Breel Embolo scored from close range on the stroke of half-time to tie the game.

With Serbia needing to win, the second half promised further twists but it was Switzerland who struck next - Embolo coolly flicking it on forNottingham Forest's Remo Freuler to thump a half-volley into the net and make it 2-2 in their favour.

Switzerland will face Portugal in the next round while Serbia are out.

Swiss edge out Serbia in enthralling encounter

Xherdan Shaqiri celebrates
Xherdan Shaqiri celebrated in front of the Serbia fans behind the goal

Both teams showed a lot of intent and purpose in the game, which swung back and forth.

Within 30 seconds of the start of the game, Serbia goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic had to make three saves to keep out Embolo and Xhaka.

The tone for the match was set when Serbia's Andrija Zivkovic hit the post before Switzerland's Xherdan Shaqiri scored.

When Serbia fans jeered him during the warm-up, he ran over to them and gestured to his shirt.

Four years ago at the Russia World Cup, he caused controversy with his double eagle celebrations.

Serbia took the lead when Vlahovic squeezed a left-footed shot into the corner after a Dusan Tadic cross, and they went on to win the game.

Embolo equalized on the stroke of half-time, poking the ball over the line after a great pass in by Silvan Widmer.

Switzerland grew in stature and looked like it was going to win after he turned provider with a backheel flick.

There was tension at the end as Xhaka was pushed in the chest by Serbia's Milenkovic and both players were sent off.

  • SerbiaSerbiaSerbia
  • SwitzerlandSwitzerlandSwitzerland
BBC Sport app banner

Get the latest results and goal notifications for any team at the Fifa World Cup by downloading the BBC Sport app: Apple - Android - Amazon

BBC Sport bannerBBC Sounds logo

You can get a daily dose of the World Cup on the radio.

Around the BBC footer - Sounds