Sweden vs Switzerland: Only 2 spots are left to complete the list of the quarter-finalists in the 21st edition of the FIFA World Cup. Sweden vs Switzerland and Belgium vs England is all set to get underway on the 3rd of July. The Swedes were the surprise winners of Group F which saw Germany get pummeled out in the group stage for the first time in 80 years. Switzerland were knocked out last time in the Round of 16 and they’ll be looking to advance through to the quarters for the very first time since 1954. Although, Switzerland are currently ranked 6th on the FIFA rankings and Sweden 24th, both teams are equally balanced for this fixture. Who do you think will make it through to the last 8? Fantasy Football team, match insights and preview for Sweden vs Switzerland is drafted here.
WHEN: July 3rd, 7:30 PM IST
WHERE: Saint Petersburg Stadium, St. Petersburg
JOURNEY TO THE ROUND OF 16
SWEDEN
- Beat South Korea 1-0. Andreas Granqvist the scorer for the Swedes
- Germany escaped narrowly from an almost certain draw and an early exit. Tony Kross’ freekick helped them stay in contention but South Korea ensured their elimination
- An impressive performance against Mexico who themselves looked pretty sharp from the word go. A 3-0 win helped them qualify
SWITZERLAND
- Held Brazil to a 1-1 draw in the first game
- Beat Serbia 2-1 in an absolute cracker of a game
- A 2-2 draw against Costa Rica affirmed their qualification.
TEAM NEWS
Sweden’s Sebastian Larsson was stretchered off in the game against Mexico and his World Cup campaign seems to be over. Gustav Svensson is his likely replacement.
Albin Ekdal, Viktor Claesson and Mikael Lustig all have a booking each.
For Switzerland, Stephan Lichsteiner and Fabian Schar are both suspended. Michael Lang and Johan Djourou are the possible replacements.
Denis Zakaria, Valon Behrami and Xherdan Shaqiri have all picked one card each.
EXPECTED PLAYING 11
SWEDEN
Goalkeeper: Robin Olsen
Defenders: Mikael Lustig, Victor Lindelof, Andreas Granqvist, Ludwig Augustinsson
Midfielders: Viktor Claesson, Gustav Svensson, Albin Ekdal, Emil Forsberg
Strikers: Marcus Berg, Ola Toivonen
SWITZERLAND
Goalkeeper: Yann Sommer
Defenders: Michael Lang, Johan Djourou, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez
Midfielders: Valon Behrami, Granit Xhaka, Xherdan Shaqiri, Blerim Dzemali, Steven Zuber
Strikers: Mario Gavranovic
FANTASY TEAM FOR SWEDEN vs SWITZERLAND
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HEAD-TO-HEAD
The two teams will be meeting for an astonishing 29th time but the first time in a major tournament. Switzerland have won 11 and Sweden, 10.
STAT ATTACK
Since 1958 after finishing runners-up on home soil, Sweden qualified for the quarters only once. In 1994, where they finished third.
Sweden vs Switzerland will be Sweden’s 50th World Cup game. The 11th team to reach that tally and only the second to reach that landmark without ever winning a World Cup. Mexico have featured in more games without lifting the desired trophy.
Switzerland have lost only one in their last 25 games. Winning 17 and drawing 7. The only defeat came against Portugal(0-2) in October 2017.
Stephan Lichtsteiner will be suspended for this round of 16 game against Sweden. The captain has only missed 25 minutes of the 1590 played by his team at major tournaments since Euro 2008.
PREDICTION
Sweden decimated Mexico in the final group stage game and surprisingly topped Group F. Switzerland qualified from Group E despite winning only one game. They’re still unbeaten in the World Cup and their run is likely to continue. The Swiss look slightly more balanced in all departments and their experienced players will turn out to be the game changers. For this fixture, I predict a Swiss win. 2-1.
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Also, check out our previous match previews.
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