Internationals: Shaqiri stars in stunning Swiss win
Xherdan Shaqiri registered two assists and had a hand in another goal as Switzerland came from 2-0 down to beat Belgium 5-2 in the UEFA Nations League.
Top spot in Group A2 and a place at the inaugural Nations League finals was up for grabs in Sunday’s match in Luzern, and the visitors - for whom Divock Origi came off the bench late on and Simon Mignolet was an unused substitute - raced into an early two-goal lead.
However, the home team surged back, with Shaqiri setting up the first goal of Haris Seferovic’s hat-trick, which made it 2-2, on the half-hour mark.
Liverpool’s No.23 later provided a superb cross for Nico Elvedi to nod in Switzerland’s fourth of the evening and then produced a brilliant flick in the build-up before Seferovic completed his treble late on.
The win means Switzerland will compete in next summer’s Nations League finals, which will also feature England thanks to their own come-from-behind victory against Croatia.
Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren both completed the 90 minutes at Wembley as Gareth Southgate’s side’s late fightback earned them a 2-1 win and first place in Group A4, from which Croatia were relegated.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was an unused substitute for England, but Jordan Henderson missed out.
Speaking pre-match, Southgate explained: “Jordan has been carrying a bit of an injury. He’s someone who always wants to play, but in the end I had to take a decision.”
Naby Keita was also in international action on Sunday.
The midfielder played the full match as Guinea drew 1-1 with Ivory Coast to strengthen their grip on top spot in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Group H.