Verdict: Both teams to score – yes
Best Odds: 11/10
Bookmaker: 888sport
Group E is getting interesting. The first round matches have seen one big surprise and one somewhat expected result. Serbia managed to win 1-0 against Costa Rica in a match where they mostly dominated and created better chances. In the other Brazil unexpectedly drew 1-1 against well-organized Switzerland and now there can be many different permutations in the final two rounds of the group stages.
Serbia
Serbia did what they wanted to do in their opening match. Coming to a World Cup after eight years, it was always going to be important to start well. Playing against Costa Rica also meant that objectively the weakest of Serbia’s three opponents came first. That is why it was crucial for them to win and that is what they did. Aleksandar Kolarov scored a beautiful free-kick to earn three points for his team and throughout the match Serbia was the one dictating the play. They also had better chances, mostly through Aleksandar Mitrovic, while Nemanja Matic had a decent World Cup debut. Against Switzerland, it will probably be different match. The Swiss will not sit back as much as Costa Rica did and Serbia will not have those long periods of control Los Ticos were so happy to give them. Manchester United’s Nemanja Matic could play a crucial role in the way Valon Behrami played for Switzerland against Brazil.
Team News
Serbia will be in full strength for this match and Mladen Krstajic will be able to choose from all of his 23 players.
Switzerland
Switzerland’s toughest job came in their opening match and they managed to stay unbeaten. Tite’s Brazil was hotly tipped to play the most scintillating football and also win the World Cup, but from what we had seen in those 90 minutes, neither of those are going to happen so easily. Switzerland were compact and well-organized, very tough to break. The double pivot in front of the back four got Brazil struggling in central areas of the pitch and Neymar was persistently fouled far away from the box. All of that gave Switzerland hope of staying unbeaten and after an early goal in second half, they managed to do that. Now, against Serbia, Switzerland will want to win and put themselves in a strong position. They are two points behind their next rival and that in itself should be enough to give us an entertaining match where both sides will play a somewhat more open-minded football.
Team News
Switzerland are in full strength for this match.
Key Factors to Consider
- Peru made 13 of their 17 shots from the inside of the box and also had a penalty, but still could not get past Schmeichel
- Thomas Lemar signed for Atletico Madrid couple of days before this match and he might be specially motivated to do well if given chance
- Antoine Griezmann seemed to be in the mood against Australia, making five shots throughout the match
Conclusion
Serbia will want to win and finish things with a match to spare, while Switzerland could be okay even with a draw, having in mind their next opposition is Costa Rica. That should be enough for teams to be more attacking minded and score some goals.
Verdict: Both teams to score – yes
Best Odds: 11/10
Bookmaker: 888sport
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