Football Results

It cannot be said that is surprising to see these two teams in the round of 16, but it was not expected to see their head-to-head this early given that Sweden was in strong group in which it surprisingly ended up at the first place, while Switzerland was expectedly second. The Swedes won two matches and suffered unlucky defeat by Germany, while the Swiss reached the round of 16 with one victory and two draws, which was enough for the second place. Each team scored by five goals, but the Swedish have better defence. Sweden and Switzerland met the last time in 2002 and then they drew the friendly 1-1.

Sweden

Sweden did a great job in the group phase since no one gave it much chance against Germany and Mexico, however, the Swedes won the first match with outsider South Korea and with those three points it was much easier to play later matches. They were much better team in that match but they scored just one goal, and even that one from penalty. In the second round they faced Germany that was under huge pressure but on the other hand they could play more calmly, which the Swedes used to take a lead in the first half. In the second one they received a quick goal but then they maintained the balance of power all the way till the stoppage time when they received the second goal and lost. It was a painful blow and was expected that will affect their psyche but exactly the opposite happened and they played the best in the decisive match with Mexico.

They had imperative to win and after first half that ended goalless, they scored three in the second one and won the first place in the Group F. Defence is evidently a better part of the team as stopper Granqvist scored two out of five Swedish goals in total. Out of forwards Toivonen was the only scorer against Germany. If Sweden wants to continue its journey at the World Cup its forwards much wake up. Regarding the team, manager Andersson made just one change in three matches and that was in defence where Lindelof replaced Jansson after match with South Korea. Andersson is forced now to make a change given that midfielder Larsson is injured but he anyway couldn’t play due to accrued yellow card, so most probably Svensson will take his place.

Probable lineups Sweden: Olsen – Lustig, Granqvist, Lindelof, Augustinsson – Svensson, Claesson, Ekdal, Forsberg – Toivonen, Berg

Switzerland

Switzerland played so far in accordance with expectations and team ended up as second in its Group E, right behind the Brazilians, who were great favourites to be the first although the Swiss managed to draw with them in the first round. In that match Switzerland showed that is a serious team although the Brazilians were much better and had more chances. The key match for Switzerland was the one in the second round with Serbia and the match determined the table of the Group E. It started badly for the Swiss who early received a goal. It didn’t shaken their moral just like it was the case against Brazil and they managed to score in the finish of match and win. Having four points they faced Costa Rica, which was objectively the weakest team in the group and on top of it the situation was favourable for the Swiss, who needed just one point to pass the group phase.

The Swiss expected victory and they had lead two times but the result read in the end 2-2. It can be said that they played the weakest right this match. Their place in the last 16 wasn’t questionable as they received the second gaol in the stoppage time, while result of match between Brazil and Serbia was favourable for them, however, the match should be considered as warning. The best player was goalie Sommer, while manager Petkovic made two changes in the team. Embolo replaced Zuber, while Gavranovic played in attack instead of Seferovic. Now, Lichtsteiner and Schar cannot play due to accrued yellow cards, and instead Lang and Djourou will join the defence.

Probable lineups Switzerland: Sommer – Lang, Djourou, Akanji, R. Rodriguez – Behrami, G. Xhaka – Shaqiri, Dzemaili, Embolo – Gavranovic

Verdict:

This is a great opportunity for both teams to reach the quarter-finals and that can result with very caution tactic by both sides. Sweden has very tough defence and we expect to play more defensively, while on the other hand Switzerland will also not press too hard, and we forecast a match with few goals.

Pick: under 2 goals 1.85 - 85/100 @1XBet