Swiss Saved By Subs, Beat Ecuador

 2-1 

Group E was in action today with Switzerland and Ecuador playing in the first round.  Ecuador was led by the Manchester United winger Antonio Valencia, though it was Enner Valencia who initially put the South American team ahead.  A free-kick by fullback Walter Ayovi was placed inside the six yard box and Enner Valencia won the header to score for Ecuador (22').

Still behind at half-time, Switzerland needed more offense and brought Admir Mehmedi into the match.  Right away Mehmedi helped his country by scoring the equalizer.  Left-back Ricardo Rodriguez delivered a corner-kick into the box and Mehmedi scored with a head right in front of goal (48').

Then with about fifteen minutes left in the match Switzerland swapped strikers and replaced the ineffective Josip Drmic for a fresh Haris Seferovic.  On a counter-attack in the closing moments of the game Rodriguez again setup a substitute for a crucial goal.  Rodriguez rolled a cross to the near-post to connect with Seferovic who scored with his first touch (90 +3').

It was a tight match in the closing moments of regulation and Ecuador had their chances to retake the lead.  Unfortunately their best chance was denied and ended up leading to the counter-attack goal at the other end.  France and Honduras are the other two teams in Group E and will play later today.