World Cup 2018: 5 talking points as Switzerland defeat Serbia

#1 Shaqiri's heroics steal the win for Switzerland

Match Winner!

Xherdan Shaqiri could not have picked a better occasion to step up and be the deciding factor in 'The Comeback of Kaliningrad' for Switzerland.

However, a large portion of Shaqiri's game had turned out to be frustrating, as half of his attempts at goal was blocked by the Serbian defence. In spite of the growing grievance, it did not affect the Stoke man as he was still creating chances and beating defenders as the game progressed into the latter stages.

When needed the most, he was there, as a swift counter-attack was started by the Swiss when the ball was first cleared out of the box to Mario Gavranovic in midfield, who played it straight to Shaqiri.

The winger burst forward with his electric pace, fended off a sliding challenge from Branislav Ivanovic in the box and tucked away his shot between the legs of Serbia's goalkeeper to snatch the three points for his country.

Shaqiri's winning goal leaves Switzerland in pole position of qualifying for the Round of 16 when they face off against win-less Costa Rica in their final group encounter on June 27 in Nizhny Novgorod.

Xherdan Shaqiri's #WorldCup game by numbers vs. #SRB:91% pass-accuracy77 touches8 shots5 fouls won4 successful take-ons 1 shot on target1 goalIm-pec-cable. #SUI pic.twitter.com/IwlnBRkvDX

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 22, 2018

5 - Xherdan Shaqiri is involved in 5 of Switzerland's 🇨🇭 last 6 goals at the World Cup (4 goals, 1 assist). Unleashed. pic.twitter.com/AOwLVaBTf3

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) June 22, 2018