Sweden is on cloud nine heading into their Round of 16 match-up with Switzerland. The Swedes have continued to upset the apple cart, with their performance leading to both the Netherlands and Italy missing out on the World Cup, and their win over Mexico knocking defending champions Germany out in the Group Stage. Now, the Swiss are looking to slay the giant killers and grab a spot in the World Cup Quarterfinals. This match has the lowest total of any of the Round of 16 games.
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 Saint Petersburg Stadium in Saint Petersburg at 10 a.m. ET on Tuesday, July 3, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FOX.
World Cup Round of 16 Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Switzerland +164
Sweden +211
Draw +194
Over/Under 1.5 and 2
Recent Form
Switzerland performed well in the Group Stage in order to make it to the knockout rounds. However, it wasn’t always easy for the Swiss. They started the tournament strong with a 1-1 draw against group favorite Brazil, and Switzerland ended up being the only team in the group to take points from Brazil.
Yet they needed some heroics in order to get the win against Serbia. An Aleksandar Mitrovic goal in the fifth minute put Serbia ahead, but Granit Xhaka leveled with a devilish strike just after halftime and then Xherdan Shaqiri outraced the defense to slot home the game winning goal in the 90th minute. The Swiss needed just a draw against Costa Rica in their finale in order to advance, and they did just that despite one of the funniest own goals you will ever see after a penalty kick bounced off the crossbar and into the back of Yann Sommer’s head to level for Costa Rica at the death in a 2-2 draw.
Sweden has looked fantastic thus far. They controlled the run of play in a 1-0 win over South Korea in their first match, and then they almost knocked off Germany in their second game. The Swedes opened the scoring, but Germany leveled with an onslaught of pressure than then got the win with a Toni Kroos free kick goal at the death.
That left Sweden needing to beat Mexico in their finale in order to advance, and they responded with their most powerful performance of the tournament. The Swedes notched three goals in the span of 25 minutes in the second half, and that was enough to not only lead them to qualification, but give them the group too.
Key Absences
Switzerland will be without two of their key players in this match. Center back Fabian Schar and right back Stephan Lichtsteiner will miss this game after picking up two yellow cards in the Group Stage. That’s a significant blow as Lichtsteiner is the team’s captain and a threat on the wing when Switzerland is on the attack. It will also test a defense that has allowed four goals.
Player to Watch
Andreas Granqvist is someone that Switzerland must keep an eye on. Granqvist leads Sweden with two goals, both penalties, and he is renowned for his two-way play. He is a danger when he goes forward on set pieces, but he mostly makes his mark on defense. The center back is the leader of one of the best defenses in the world, and he will look to lead Sweden to the Quarterfinals.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Sweden should be the favorite in this game, not Switzerland. The Swedes emerged from a tougher group and have a much tougher defense to break than the Swiss do. They will be able to effectively attack Switzerland’s two reserve defenders and get the goal they need to move on.
World Cup Round of 16 Odds: Sweden 1, Switzerland 0
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