Johan Djourou’s Switzerland were knocked out of the World Cup by Argentina in heartbreaking fashion on Tuesday.
After a cagey last-16 match in which the Arsenal defender delivered a strong performance to keep the likes of Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain quiet, the match went to extra time.
With both sides struggling to fashion clear-cut chances, the game seemed destined for penalties.
But in the 118th minute Messi burst through the middle and poked the ball to Angel Di Maria to the right of the box, and he stroked the ball into the far corner.
Switzerland nearly snatched a dramatic equaliser seconds later when Blerim Dzemaili hit the post from close range, then bundled the rebound wide.
It was a devastating end to what has been an encouraging World Cup campaign for Djourou and Switzerland.
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