Stephan Lichtsteiner takes blame for Switzerland World Cup exit

Stephan Lichtsteiner has taken responsibility for Switzerland's World Cup exit following the dramatic extra-time defeat to Argentina in Sao Paulo this evening.

Lionel Messi drove through the heart of the Swiss midfield to tee up Angel di Maria, who slotted a 118th-minute winner past Diego Benaglio to seal their quarter-final place.

It was Lichtsteiner who initially lost possession in midfield, allowing Messi the opportunity to set up the Real Madrid winger, and the 30-year-old admits that he played a role in Switzerland's downfall.

"Switzerland deserve praise for a great performance and we didn't deserve to go out like that," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"We proved that we are a very good side and it was a wonderful game for us until that moment.

"On the goal I lost the ball after a challenge and they were able to run in on goal. We were punished when the match was practically over. It's such a shame."

Switzerland boss Ottmar Hitzfeld announced his retirement from coaching following the defeat.