Unless something totally bonkers happens, either Switzerland or Serbia will make it to the knockout rounds. That was expected heading into the World Cup as the teams had roughly even odds to make it out of Group E.
If either side could find a way to pick up a win here, that would be massive. Serbia would lock up a spot in the knockout round with a victory, while Switzerland would put itself in a commanding position. That could lead to both teams taking more chances than they might otherwise.
The most anticipated sporting event in the world comes around once every four years, so don’t miss any of the 2018 World Cup. This match will take place at Kaliningrad Stadium in Kaliningrad at 2 p.m. ET on Friday, June 22, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FOX.
World Cup Group Stage Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Switzerland +160
Serbia +207
Draw +203
Over/Under 2
Last Match
Serbia was easily the better side in a 1-0 victory over Costa Rica in its opener. The team was able to keep its vulnerable back line from being pressured too much, as the offense consistently threatened the Ticos. Aleksandar Kolarov scored the lone goal off of a superb free kick, deftly swinging the ball over and through the wall and then off the post before it reached the back of the net.
The Swiss surprised many by pulling a point out of their match with group favorites Brazil. Brazil were strong favorites to win the group and closed as the leading favorite to win the World Cup, but Switzerland was able to consistently thwart their attack. Switzerland were able to possess the ball for long stretches thanks to some great play from their midfielders and picked up an equalizer when Steven Zuber was unmarked in the box. They were definitely happy with the result.
Matchup to Watch
Two of the better defensive midfielders in the world will be on the pitch when these teams meet up. Switzerland have one of the grittiest players around in Granit Xhaka. Xhaka is known for the narrow line he walks between fair and foul play and has received more red cards than any other player in the Premier League since coming into the league. He struggled a bit against Brazil, but he was better as the game went on and should be more confident here.
Serbia’s Nemanja Matic had a much better showing until the very end of the match. Matic was solid in breaking up attacks, but he received a lot of deserved criticism for his antics in stoppage time. He tried to snatch the ball away from Costa Rica assistant coach Luis Marin, and that set off a brouhaha that involved the entire Costa Rican team. Matic was unapologetic afterwards and will look to move past the incident. He is very good at dispossessing opponents and is great when he makes the decision to go to ground.
Player to Watch
Xherdan Shaqiri is Switzerland’s best playmaker, and he will be used much differently in this match than he was against Brazil. Against Brazil, he was asked to possess the ball for long amounts of time in order to help out the defense. He will have more of a creative roll against Serbia.
Shaqiri is talented off the dribble and those skills can lead to opportunities. He is able to maneuver around a defender to attack from a dangerous position and is good at making chnaces off the edges. That is something Serbia must look out for.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
The over is a good play in this one. There will be a lot of poking and prodding at first, but the game will open up and each team will get some good chances. Switzerland have done it before and looked better in their opener, so I’ll call on them to get the win. However, the better play is the over.
World Cup Group Stage Odds: Switzerland 2, Serbia 1
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