After failing to qualify for any international tournament since 2010, Switzerland will be looking forward to making up for the lost days, a win for Serbia will have them advance to the next stage of the tournament thereby giving hope to their disillusioned fans who had waited during their 8-year qualification flaws. For their Group E Matchday two opponent Switzerland will be seeking their first victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup after they drew 1-1 with Brazil in the opening game. While Serbia plans to maintain their winning ways and grab an express 6-point ticket to the Knockout stage after beating Costa Rica 1-0, Switzerland will fight to add to their points to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
OVERVIEW
Serbia can all but book their place in the round of 16 with a victory over Switzerland in Kaliningrad, although the eastern European side will have a tough test against a Swiss side who held Brazil 1-1 in their Group E opener. A victory will mean that Serbia will qualify for the round of 16 for the first time as playing as an independent nation. A well taken free kick from Aleksandar Kolarov was the difference maker in the opener against Costa Rica. Mladen Krstajic’s side will certainly not be lacking motivation ahead of the game on Friday evening. Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinković-Savić impressed against Costa Rica, with the 23-year old pulling the strings in the centre of the park. Surprisingly Milinković-Savić was not utilized in qualification for the World Cup, however, stand out performances for his club side convinced Krstajic to take the player to the tournament. Now, Milinković-Savić who is nicknamed ‘SMS’ in his homeland is attracting attention from the likes of Real Madrid & Manchester United. Another impressive performance against Switzerland could add a few more millions to his price tag.
As for Switzerland, they showed their defensive qualities in the 1-1 draw with Brazil, successfully suppressing the attacking talents of the Selecao. The game against Serbia should be a little more open, which could highlight the attacking talents of Die Nati as they look to get the better of their Group E opponents. The game could be a perfect opportunity for Stoke City winger Xherdan Shaqiri to strut his stuff. The diminutive winger is one of the key attacking threats for this country, and the 26-year old will be relishing the battle against an aging Serbia backline.
Historical match record
While they have never faced Switzerland since the end of Yugoslavia, Serbia did boast a good record against the Swiss in their former guise. In 13 previous fixtures, they have won six and lost just twice, including a 3-0 win at the 1950 World Cup – the last time they met on the biggest stage.
Current team news
Aleksandar Kolarov was a doubt for Serbia’s opening game after a slight injury in the warm-up, but after playing and scoring a brilliant free-kick in the 1-0 win there are unlikely to be any Serbian changes to face Switzerland. Luka Milivojevic got the nod to start alongside Nemanja Matic in the middle, with Sergei Milinkovic-Savic pushed further forward to accommodate that.
There were no surprises in Switzerland’s starting line-up against Brazil, with Steven Zubar, Blerim Dzemaili, and Haris Seferovic all returning after being rested for the Swiss’ final warm-up match. Yann Sommer also returned in goal. Switzerland line-up is likely to be unchanged against to face Serbia in their crucial game for second-round qualification. Stephan Lichtsteiner was taken off with a late injury but he is expected to be fit to face Serbia.
Match Prediction
Switzerland will be buzzing after their gutsy 1-1 draw with Brazil while Serbia got their campaign off to a winning start. We think Serbia might just have the edge here, though. It will be Serbia 2-1 Switzerland.
Possible lineup
Serbia: Stojkovic, Ivanovic, Milenkovic, Tosic, Kolarov, Matic, Milivojevic, Tadic, Milinkovic-Savic, Ljajic, Mitrovic
Switzerland: Sommer, Lichtsteiner, Schar, Akanji, Rodriguez, Behrami, Xhaka, Shaqiri, Dzemaili, Zuber, Seferovic