21.06.2014 18:00 h

World Cup over for Swiss defender Von Bergen

Steve von Bergen (l.) hat sich schwer am Auge verletzt
Steve von Bergen (l.) hat sich schwer am Auge verletzt

Switzerland's Steve von Bergen will miss the rest of the World Cup after fracturing his left eye socket in their 5-2 defeat to France, the Swiss FA confirmed Saturday.

The 31-year-old centre-back was accidentally kicked in the head by France striker Olivier Giroud after only seven minutes of their Group E clash in Salvador on Friday and had to be helped off with a deep cut over his left eye.

He was taken to hospital where a scan revealed the extent of the injury.

"He will be repatriated as soon as possible to Switzerland, accompanied by Dr Roland Grossen," read a statement from the Swiss Federation.

"He will then be cared for by specialists."

Von Bergen is a loss for the Swiss whose final group game is against pointless Honduras next Wednesday in Manaus although even defeat could see them progress if the French inflict a heavy defeat on the Ecuadoreans.