KALININGRAD: Switzerland came from behind in a storming second half to defeat Serbia 2-1 in a topsy-turvy duel in Group E of the World Cup finals in the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.

Aleksandar Mitrovic struck for the Serbs after only five minutes in an exciting clash with equalled the record from 1954 for 26 consecutive games at the finals without a goalless draw.

Serbia were superior in the first half but the game opened up in dramatic style after Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka struck a superb 52nd-minute equaliser for Switzerland.

The Serbs were furous when German referee Felix Brych refswd them a 72nd-minte penalty for a foul on Mitrovic as chances came and went at both ends before Switzerland snatched all three points in the last minute of normal time.

After Manuel Akanji cleared out of defence Xherdan Shaqiri ranfrom inside his own half before shooting cooly past keeper Vladimir Stojkovic.

Serbia must now defeat Brazil in their last match to progress while Switzerland face already-eliminate Costa Rica knowing a draw will be enough.

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