Fulham frontman Mitrovic headed in Tadic’s cross to draw Serbia level six minutes later. Tadic was involved again and slotted the ball past Vlahovic, who slotted a low shot past goalkeeper Gregor Kobel to complete the Serbian turnaround.
But Embolo headed home Silvan Vidmar’s low cross in the 44th minute and Freiler thumped in his fifth goal of the evening to keep the momentum going as two brilliant moves from the Swiss attack proved to be Serbia’s undoing.
Midway through the second half, Mitrović went down too easily after a challenge from Fabian Scheer, but his appeal for a penalty was turned down, and the Serbian dugout spilled onto the pitch in protest of the referee’s decision.
Switzerland finished with six points, equal with Group G winners Brazil but behind on goal difference. Serbia, who needed a win to give themselves a chance to advance, finished bottom of the group with just one point. They have never progressed beyond the group stage of a World Cup since the breakup of Yugoslavia.
