Ottmar Hitzfeld, head coach of Switzerland, had nothing but praise for his team, despite acknowledging altitude problems that plagued his team earlier in their 2-1 win over Ecuador.
The South American side scored thanks to a header from Enner Valencia, but first Admir Mehmedi then a 93rd minute Haris Seferovic strike secured a dramatic win for the Swiss.
“I almost exploded,” Hitzfeld told reporters after the game.”It was a huge relief!”
Despite that relief, the German coach confessed that he had concerns coming into the match, though also praised Ecuador’s playing style.
“We’ve had been having trouble with the altitude of 1100 metres,” he admitted. “And Ecuador were better than us at running forward with the ball.”
Switzerland did have a goal ruled out for offside, which would have put them in front, and replays showed the decision made by the officials was in correct.
“It is incredible what we managed to do,” he continued. “It was a moral victory, which gives a lot of confidence for the next games.
“I am very happy with the three points.”
