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Romania vs. Switzerland ended 1-1 after a frenetic and entertaining battle. Romania took a shock lead through another penalty by Bogdan Stancu, but the Swiss pegged them back in the second half on the back of an absolute stunner by Admir Mehmedi. Switzerland dominated the match for large periods, but their final ball was well below par and they wasted a multitude of good opportunities, while Romania threatened often on the break.
Photo: @BBCMOTD | Twitter
All eyes were on Xherdan Shaqiri today after some controversial comments he made in regards to switching to Kosovo. After getting snubbed for both the captain and vice-captain spots for the Swiss squad, Shaqiri seemed to imply that he would switch to Kosovo if they offered him the captaincy.
It didn't seem to distract the Swiss though, who started the game on top. Haris Seferovic found himself in a dangerous area in the 7th minute, but he couldn't quite wrap his foot around the ball and the shot drifted just wide.
Seferovic then had another chance after being played in by Shaqiri but he couldn't keep his balance and sent a tame shot straight at the keeper.
In the 18th minute, the game was turned on its head as Stephan Lichtsteiner brought down Alexandru Chipciu to give Romania a penalty. Bogdan Stancu, who scored the penalty against France, stepped up again and converted again. 1-0 Romania, completely against the run of play.
Switzerland looked punch-drunk but they continued to apply pressure, with Fabian Schar coming the closest as his shot from distance was forced over by the goalkeeper. Romania arguably had the better chances though, as Chipciu shot just wide and Sepunaru hit the woodwork. Despite the Swiss dominance, Romania continually looked more threatening.
The Swiss continued to have most of the ball, but they apparently left their final product on the plane, because they failed to make their threatening play count. The half went by without any real chances, and Romania went into the half deservedly 1-0 up.
The second half resumed the same pattern as the first, but Switzerland were quick to get back on level terms, and after an afternoon of profligacy, they did it in style. A corner rebounded towards the edge of the area where Admir Mehmedi was waiting, and he absolutely hammered it into the top corner. It was exactly what Switzerland needed after a first half of poor quality in the final third.
Switzerland remained on top for the rest of the half, but they settled back into their pattern of wastefulness. Romania couldn't quite get a head of steam as the Swiss closed them down much more quickly. Both teams settled for optimistic shots from distance, as well as a few attempts at the spectacular, but neither could really make the breakthrough.
The game ended 1-1, which was an OK result for both teams, but the Swiss will be disappointed that they couldn't put more of their plentiful chances away.
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