On Wednesday night, Switzerland and Costa Rica go head-to-head in Group E of the World Cup, as the Swiss look to seal their place in the knockout stages of the competition.
Switzerland drew 1-1 with Brazil in their opening game and recorded a late 2-1 win over Serbia in their last outing. Vladimir Petkovic’s side could go through to the knockout stages with a draw or a win.
A draw will be enough to secure a last 16 spot, as rivals Brazil and Serbia clash in the other game. For Switzerland to top the group, they will have to better Brazil’s result against Serbia, as the two teams are level on points but the South American have superior goal difference.
The Swiss have suffered just one defeat in open play in 24 outings. Their recent games have been low scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in seven of their last nine matches. However, they have a recent mixed record at World Cups, having won three, drawn one and lost two of their six finals games.
Costa Rica have already suffered elimination from World Cup 2018 after losing their first two games in Group E. The Central American team have produced some decent displays, but have lacked the quality to gain anything from clashes with Serbia and Brazil.
Oscar Ramirez’s team have been in terrible form of late, having won just two of their last 12 international games. They have also suffered defeat in eight of their ten games. The Ticos’ recent games have been low scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in six of their previous eight outings.
The fact that Ramirez’s has team struggled for goals of late has contributed to those low scoring games, as they have failed to score in six of their last nine outings.
Forebet predicts that Costa Rica will hold Switzerland to a draw in this clash, which will be enough for a knockout spot.