Xhaka joins Jesus and Martinelli in last-16

Granit Xhaka joined his clubmates Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli in the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup, after helping Switzerland claim second spot in Group G courtesy of a 3-2 win over Serbia.

The Swiss captain was handed the man of the match award for his performance, which saw him guide his team through a rollercoaster of a match that at one point saw them losing, and facing elimination.

Things started well for Granit as his team went a goal ahead through Xherdan Shaqiri, but were quickly pegged back via an Aleksandar Mitrovic header, before Dusan Vlahovic turned the contest upside down by putting the Serbians in front.

However, Breel Embolo equalised just before half-time, and three minutes after the restart the comeback was complete when Remo Freuler restored Switzerland's lead.

Granit managed to help steer his team through a tempestuous encounter that saw 11 yellow cards dished out, to ensure his nation finished second in their group to reach the last-16 of the competition for the fourth time out of the last five tournaments. They'll now face Portugal on Tuesday, December 6.

Switzerland finished runners-up to Brazil in Group G, who had already qualified for the knockout stages with a game to spare following back-to-back wins, and so rotated their side for their final game against Cameroon, which saw Jesus and Martinelli handed starts.

However, a stoppage-time goal by Vincent Aboubakar stunned the Selecao and handed the Indomitable Lions a famous win, despite Brazil dominating proceedings throughout.

Jesus played 64 minutes of the game, while Martinelli featured for the entirety of the contest, but despite the defeat they still topped the group on goal difference from Switzerland, meaning they'll take on South Korea on Monday, December 5.