Drmic delivers as Switzerland down Croatia

Switzerland assured themselves of a runners-up finish at least in qualifying Group 5 thanks to Josip Drmic's dramatic late winner away against Croatia.

Bidding to move beyond the reach of their third-placed hosts, Switzerland deservedly went ahead through Haris Seferovic after 15 minutes. They were forced onto the back foot after the break, though, and Croatia levelled through Dejan Glavica with 17 minutes to go, before Drmic sealed victory from close range in added time.

Croatia captain Ante Vukušić created the first moment of danger in the match when his superb header was saved by Roman Bürki with 11 minutes gone, but shortly afterwards it was Lovre Kalinić who was left to pick the ball out of his net. Seferovic beat the Croatia No1 from ten metres, and Pajtim Kasami then had a fine chance to put Switzerland 2-0 up - only to miss the target.

Vukušić was denied brilliantly by Bürki at the other end as the Swiss held onto their lead at the break, and they again threatened to register when Kerim Frei failed to find the back of the net from close range. It was a miss they looked certain to rue as Glavica equalised from outside the area, but after Domagoj Antolić was dismissed late on for picking up a second yellow card, Drmic made the difference.

The victors now lie five points behind Spain, whom they face in their next outing on 6 September, while Croatia lie another seven points back with two games remaining.