Nastasić heads Serbia to success

Two Matija Nastasić goals gave Serbia a comeback win against UEFA European Under-17 Championship elite round Group 6 hosts Switzerland.

Switzerland are hoping to live up to the performance of last year's squad, who reached the European semi-finals then won the FIFA U-17 World Cup. However, although Stjepan Vuleta gave them the lead on ten minutes, captain Nastasić struck either side of the break to clinch the points.

After an even opening, Vuleta broke the deadlock as he leapt high to head in Joël Geissmann's corner. Eight minutes before half-time it was 1-1, also from a corner, as Miloš Saka's ball from the right was met by Nastasić.

The winner came in identical style, Stevan Luković's flag kick headed in by Nastasić under the nose of goalkeeper Andreas Hirzel and Serbia were solid from there on. Switzerland now need to bounce back on Saturday against holders Germany while Serbia meet Hungary.

Branko Vukašinović, the Serbia coach, said: "It was a high-level game, technically and tactically. We scored from two corners, but that's part of modern football. I have had this team for one and a half years and 70% of our goals come from set-pieces. And Nastasič , who scored two today, is my best scorer."

His opposite number Heinz Moser added: "We started the game well, had 20 strong minutes, and then lost [Numa] Lavanchy to injury, which was a big blow for us. We were leading 1-0 but could have scored more. After that we didn't have many more chances, but Serbia didn't either, they scored from two corners and neutralised us for the rest of the game."