Switzerland vs. Belgium: Score, Reaction from 2016 International Friendly

Kevin De Bruyne hit a superb late winner to help Belgium beat Switzerland 2-1 at the Stade de Suisse on Saturday. The Manchester City attacking midfielder lashed in a long-range shot deep into the second half to add to Romelu Lukaku's first-half opener for the Belgians.

It completed a strong comeback from the visitors, who had fallen a goal behind when Blerim Dzemaili struck from a set piece. But the Swiss paid the price for being reduced to ten men late on, after Haris Seferovic was shown a straight red card in the 81st minute.

Arsenal new boy Granit Xhaka was tasked with anchoring the midfield for the hosts, while former Gunners Philippe Senderos and Johan Djourou patrolled at the back.

Their biggest threat was set to be prolific Everton striker Lukaku who led the line for manager Marc Wilmots' team. HLN journalist Kristof Terreur detailed both squads:

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Marouane Fellaini's still the top scorer of this generation with 15 goals. Hazard, Lukaku & KDB have 12. #mufc  pic.twitter.com/0aX6SSzf9r

— Kristof Terreur (@HLNinEngeland) May 28, 2016"

The Swiss began brightly, with Xherdan Shaqiri probing and trying to thread passes between the lines of a disciplined Belgian defence. Meanwhile, De Bruyne carried the fight for the visitors early on thanks to his pace and willingness to take on a shot.

There was plenty of creativity in the final third from both sides, but Bayer Leverkusen forward Admir Mehmedi stood out for the Swiss. He twice sent runners clear of the Belgian back four in the opening 30 minutes. On each occasion, Dzemaili then Shaqiri were denied by last-ditch blocks.

Yet the former soon went one better when he hammered home a free-kick to put his nation in front. It was a lead undone barely three minutes later when Lukaku met an expertly whipped cross from Dries Mertens.

Switzerland soon needed a precise tackle from Ricardo Rodriguez to prevent Eden Hazard putting Belgium in front. AFCPressWatch relayed an image of the expertly timed challenge in the box:

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Ricardo Rodriguez with a last-man tackle to thwart Eden Hazard during friendly match between Switzerland & Belgium. pic.twitter.com/Rluv8hNJoV

— AFCPressWatch™ (@AFCPressWatch) May 28, 2016"

The half drew to a close with Xhaka and Hazard each trying their luck from distance, only to see their efforts blocked by stubborn defending.

Xhaka began the second half teeing up Shaqiri for a shooting chance after the Swiss had won a succession of corners. Sadly, the Stoke City winger dragged his effort well wide.

Despite the miss, Shaqiri was bossing the game in forward areas and earned praise from OmniSportNews writer Joe Wright:

Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen then squandered a terrific chance at the other end when he headed over from inside the box after rising to meet an astute De Bruyne cross.

Wilmots decided to mix things up with the game entering the final 20 minutes by bringing on Liverpool centre-forward Divock Origi.

Fortunately for the away side, De Bruyne was left on, and he thundered home the stunning winner seven minutes from time.

Eric Krakauer of the BigSoccerHead podcast relayed a highlight of the awesome hit:

It was a goal worthy of winning any game and a reminder of De Bruyne's importance to his nation. His eye for goal and inventive flair will be crucial for Belgium's chances at UEFA Euro 2016.

Afterwards, fellow scorer Lukaku hailed the win and its importance ahead of the big tournament in France:

Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet also kept his focus on Euro 2016:

Belgium will be fancied in France, and Lukaku's eye for goal, along with De Bruyne's inventive flair, will be crucial for their chances.