John Hartson
BBC Radio 5 live

"It was a hopeful ball up front and Enner Valencia tried to latch on to it as Johan Djourou was getting across. The Switzerland defence were very lucky because the bounce of the ball favoured them. Good play from Valencia though to get on to it."

Ecuador hanging on from their lives now as Switzerland rampage forward again. Xherdan Shaqiri bursts clear in the left channel, firing wildly into the side-netting.

But then the South Americans almost take advantage of a howler by Swiss keeper Diego Benaglio. The Wolfsburg man storms out of his area to meet a long ball, makes a hash of it, but is grateful to see Ecuador striker Enner Valencia muscled off the ball by Johan Djourou. Big let off.

Switzerland bundle the ball in to the Ecuador net - but it doesn't count. Josip Drmic nips in ahead of a sleepy Ecuadorian defence to meet a left-wing centre from Ricardo Rodriguez, knocking the ball past Alexander Dominguez. He wheels away in celebration, only to be greeted by the linesman's flag.

John Hartson
BBC Radio 5 live

Image source, Getty Images

"That was a fantastic save. He gets really low down. That has kept Switzerland in the game. Montero has really impressed me.

"Every time he has got the ball he has ran with it and given Lichtsteiner problems down that side of the pitch. He has real quality."

Swiss star Xherdan Shaqiri might be small, but he doesn't seem that humble, standing back to admire his slide-rule pass towards marauding left-back Ricardo Rodriguez. But his team-mate does not have the legs to reach it as Ecuador survive.

Then, Switzerland keeper Diego Benaglio gets his gloves dirty to palm clear an effort from Ecuador's livewire winger Jefferson Montero. On a knifedge is this one.

John Hartson
BBC Radio 5 live

"This game is now much more open, much more spread out. Players are getting tired, players are not tracking runners and it is a very open game now."

Seconds later, the action quickly swings back up the other end. Ecuador striker Enner Valencia, who plys his trade with Mexican side Pachuca, is allowed space on the edge of the Swiss box, unleashing a searing effort which flashes over the crossbar.

Switzerland have their foot down on the acceleration pedal now. Xherdan Shaqiri wriggles free down the right, beautifully picking out man-of-the-moment Adnan Mehmedi with a pinpoint cutback. But the Swiss substitute cannot pick off a shot.

Image source, Getty Images

Admir Mehmedi has provided the attacking spark which Switzerland so dearly missed in the first half.

The Freiburg forward, who bagged 13 goals for the Bundesliga side last season, springs forward again, only to misplace his intended pass to Xherdan Shaqiri. Shaqiri goes nuts at his team-mate - which is a bit rich considering he couldn't pass for toffee in the first half.

Alex:, external This match must be an instructional film titled 'How Not To Defend Set-Pieces'.

Ecuador almost hit back instantly as Frickson Erazo heads over from a free-kick on the left flank. Some schoolboy defending from set-pieces as both teams threaten from dead-ball situations.

John Hartson
BBC Radio 5 live

"Great response from Switzerland. Mehmedi does not have to do a lot really, he battles with the Ecuador defender and wants it more. Simple as that really. Switzerland came out in the second half, won the corner and it was a great equaliser. Ecuador were sleeping.

"I saw signs in the first half of some poor play defensively from Ecuador. I felt if Switzerland did step up a gear, Ecuador were there to be got at. If Ecuador don't start closing down, and defending properly, I can see Switzerland scoring more."

Image source, Getty Images

And that's why ex-Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund boss Ottmar Hitzfeld has an impressive managerial CV. His change pays instant dividends as Admir Mehmedi nods in less than three minutes after trotting on. Like Ecuador's opener, a huge question mark over the defending as Mehmedi is allowed room to head in from inside the six-yard box.

Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld does decide to make a change at the break, Freiburg forward Admir Mehmedi replacing the anonymous midfielder Valentin Stocker in an attacking switch.

Joe Evans:, external Why did Arsenal get rid of Johan Djourou? He looks a solid defender(!)

Image source, Getty Images

The Fifa world rankings often leave many fans scratching their heads in bemusement, and Switzerland certainly haven't justified their lofty position of sixth. It is the nation's highest position since a youthful-looking Roy Hodgson was at the helm 20 years ago.

Image source, @thealexsouth

BBC World's Alex South, external reports from Natal: "A month's rain has fallen in two days, causing roads to sink. USA v Ghana tomorrow. Heading to see what the pitch is like.

"What's left of a Favela in Natal after torrential rain caused landslide. Incredibly no fatalities."

Image source, @thealexsouth

Meanwhile, Ecuador gaffer Reinaldo Rueda should be more relaxed as he enjoys a half-time cup of tea. It would be a surprise if he decides to make any tactical tweaks from this starting line-up. Striker Enner Valencia is a man in form, while Antonio Valencia and Jefferson Montero are providing spark down the flanks.

Wonder if either coach will have a throw of the tactical dice at the break? Here's a reminder of Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld's starting XI - right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner is the one who has provided most of their attacking threat. Hitzfeld might be giving out the 'hairdryer' treatment to loan striker Josip Drmic, who has rarely put his weight about to hold up the ball and bring his team-mates into play.