Verdict: Half time result – Draw
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: 888sport
When you talk about Round of 16, there are some interesting matchups. Argentina and France were the cream of the crop of this round, Portugal vs Uruguay was a clash of two defensively sound sides. Yet, the match between Sweden and Switzerland is probably the one that is hardest to predict. Who will go through is a question that remains wide open, as pretty much any result could be explained with – yes, why not? And because of the similar quality these two sides bring with each other, the prospect of watching this match should be quite interesting.
Sweden
Sweden came into this tournament basically eliminating two great sides of world football. They were in a qualifying group with Netherlands, who simply were not good enough to earn the second place and reach play-offs. And there, in the play-offs, we had seen an even bigger surprise. Zlatan Ibrahimovic-less Sweden managed to beat Italy 1-0 on aggregate and earn their place in Russia. However, the rejuvenated Swedes did not stop there. In a group with Mexico, South Korea and Germany, everyone thought there will be a great fight between three teams for that second place. However, it was Germany, another world champion, that had gone out. They finished bottom of group F and despite Germany beating Sweden, the Scandinavian side still managed to finish top of the group. Big part in that played the fact that Sweden breezed past Mexico in the last round of matches, beating them 3-0 to set-up a match with Switzerland. Victor Lindelöf and his teammates will definitely feel positive about this match and their chances of progressing.
Team News
Sweden will have all 23 players at disposal for this match.
Switzerland
On the other hand, Switzerland were also in a similar group to Sweden – a one big favourite and three teams hoping of reaching the knockout stages. However, here the things panned out pretty much as expected, as Brazil finished as leaders. Switzerland started the tournament very well, getting a point from their match against Brazilians. The next match against Serbia was always going to be crucial, especially as Nemanja Matic’s side won their opener against Costa Rica. Even though Serbia were 1-0 up after five minutes, Switzerland regrouped and made a comeback in second half, with goals from Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri. Their last match, against Costa Rica, was the one where they did not have as much pressure. They were 2-1 up, while Serbia were losing to Brazil, so a late goal conceded for 2-2 was not giving them any headaches. The Swiss are a very well organized team, without real stars, but the team that at all times knows what is doing. That is why they will be tough to break.
Team News
Switzerland are reportedly in full strength for this match.
Conclusion
I am not going to predict the full time score here. Simply, I see this match with a couple of goals scored at the most and any team could win it. That is why my prediction is a draw after first half, mostly because I feel the teams will be very careful in opening 45 minutes. If you want a bigger bet, then maybe even try with the first half correct score 0-0.
Verdict: Half time result – Draw
Best Odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: 888sport
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