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Seferovic hat-trick sends Switzerland into Nations League finals over Belgium

Photonews / Getty

Switzerland will join England and host Portugal in the Nations League finals come June after its 5-2 victory on Sunday over Belgium, which was enough to vault past the Red Devils for the group's top spot.

The Swiss needed to win by two or more goals to dethrone Roberto Martinez's men atop Group 2 in League A. They reached that margin thanks in part to an impressive showing from Benfica striker Haris Seferovic, who struck three goals in the win.

Belgium looked set to cement their place in the tournament's final four when Thorgan Hazard scored twice within the first 17 minutes. Switzerland responded valiantly with five unanswered goals, however, beginning with a converted penalty from Ricardo Rodriguez in the 26th minute.

Following a brace from Seferovic, a 62nd-minute header from center-back Nico Elvedi secured his side the two-goal margin it needed to leapfrog Belgium. Seferovic then notched an insurance tally in the 84th minute.

It's the first time Switzerland has won by two-plus goals after trailing by at least two in the same game since a 4-2 win over Germany in the 1938 World Cup.

The fourth country included in the final phase will be determined on Monday when Germany, which has already been mathematically confirmed to relegation, hosts the Netherlands. Anything but a loss will confirm the Dutch as group winners, while a Germany win will send France into the final four.

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