The game took place at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium and ended in a 2-2 draw for Switzerland, who led twice during the match but saw victory slip through their fingers after an unfortunate own goal from Bryan Ruiz’s penalty in stoppage time.

"They didn't surprise us... We didn't think it was an easy game and it wasn't an easy game, I think, to be honest, Costa Rica played a great game... We had a very tough group, every game was so close and I think we can be proud of us," Dzemaili told journalists at the post-match press conference late on Wednesday.

The player added that this year's World Cup was full of surprises and Switzerland could be one of the dark horses of the tournament.

"The most important thing is that we've made it past the group stage. The World Cup is full of surprises and we can become a team of surprise but there is still a lot that needs improving," Dzemaili said.

Switzerland, who were unbeaten in the group stage, will now face Sweden for a place in the quarter-finals on Tuesday in St. Petersburg.