World Cup: Brazil, Nigeria, Switzerland Earn Victories

Brazil star Neymar had limped out of a training session earlier this week, but he says he's fine

Switzerland came back to beat Serbia in the World Cup Friday but may have some political controversy to go with its 2-1 win.

The Swiss goals were scored by Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri, both of whom are of Kosovo Albanian descent, and both celebrated by putting their hands together to make the symbol for Albania's double-headed eagle.

Kosovo, a former Serbian province, declared independence in 2008. Serbia doesn't recognize Kosovo's independence and relations between the two countries remain tense.

Xhaka, whose brother plays for Albania, ran to the touchline and locked his thumbs together with fingers outstretched to make what looks like the double-headed eagle on Albania's flag. Shaqiri ripped off his shirt and made the same gesture with his hands on his chest after scoring the winner on a breakaway in the 90th minute.

The goals came after an Aleksandar Mitrovic header had given Serbia the lead in the first half.

Meanwhile, Philippe Coutinho and Neymar scored injury-time goals to help Brazil beat Costa Rica 2-0; also Friday, Nigeria defeated Iceland 2-0.  

Brazil's Coutinho poked the ball past goalkeeper Keylor Navas in the first minute of injury time, and Neymar volleyed in another with virtually the last kick of the game six minutes later.

Neymar then broke down in tears and sobbed for several moments. His teammates helped him off the ground to celebrate.

It had looked like Brazil, after drawing its opening game 1-1 with Switzerland, was heading for another stalemate.

Brazil attacked relentlessly in the second half and was awarded a penalty in the 78th when Neymar was impeded as he cut inside defender Giancarlo Gonzalez. But referee Bjorn Kuipers went over to look at the sideline monitor and reversed the decision.

Brazil has four points heading into its final group game against Serbia on Wednesday.

Ahmed Musa made a spectacular entrance into the World Cup by scoring twice in Nigeria's 2-0 victory over Iceland.

The result in Volgograd means Nigeria, Iceland and Argentina are all still in contention to advance from Group D. Croatia leads the group after two wins and has already ensured a spot in the round of 16.

Musa opened the scoring in the 49th when he finished off a long-range counterattack with a composed, second-touch half-volley.

He doubled Nigeria's lead in the 75th minute after a swerving run into the area and a shot from close range.

Iceland had a real chance to get one back but Gylfi Sigurdsson fired a penalty kick way over the Nigeria bar in the 83rd minute.

The result lifts Nigeria into second spot in the group with three points. Iceland and Argentina each have one point. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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