Switzerland leave it late to prevail

Switzerland scored twice in the final eleven minutes to defeat ten-man Slovenia and leave themselves on the brink of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship semi-finals for only the second time.

Dramatic finale
With all four sides on one point after the first round of Group A games, both teams knew a victory would be a significant step towards the last four and each had chances in an enthralling first half. Slovenia substitute Dejan Zadnikar struck the woodwork either side of Matic Fink's 65th-minute opener, but the 75th-minute dismissal of Dejan Lazarevič allowed Switzerland back into the contest and replacement Alexandre Pasche levelled four minutes later. Orhan Mustafi then tapped into an empty net with five minutes remaining to leave Switzerland needing a point against Ukraine on Monday to make sure of progress, while Slovenia must beat England to have any hope.

Captains return
Both teams welcomed back their captains after suspensions on Matchday 1, and Slovenia's Rajko Rep made his presence felt within 60 seconds, stinging the palms of Oliver Klaus. In the main, however, a Swiss defence ably marshaled by the returning Rolf Feltscher restricted their opponents to long-range efforts in the opening quarter, although it was a different story at the other end. Matej Rapnik's brilliant last-ditch tackle prevented Mustafi from bursting clear, before a slick passing move set Admir Mehmedi through, Matej Radan narrowing the angle well and turning the shot behind.

Rep role
Slovenia's Haris Vučkič – who will also miss Monday's game following his first-half caution – then battled his way through three challenges but no one was able to supply the finishing touch to his dangerous ball across the face of goal. Although Radan was then required to produce a spectacular stop to punch away Mustafi's powerful effort from the edge of the area, the half ended with Vučkič's pass splitting the Swiss defence only for Leon Črnčič to miss his kick with just Klaus to beat.

Late turnaround
The goalkeeper made two important saves from Lazarevič early in the second period but was helpless as first Zadnikar struck the crossbar from 25 metres and then Fink's attempted cross from the right dropped inside the far post. Zadnikar might had doubled the advantage, shooting against the left-hand post, before Lazarevič's second yellow card with 15 minutes to play turned the tide. Pasche finally beat Radan with a low shot in the 79th minute and, though the goalkeeper produced a fine save from Mustafi, he was beaten again with five minutes left, Sébastien Wüthrich touching the ball past him for Mustafi to roll in.