On Friday night, Serbia and Switzerland face a date with destiny as the pair clash in Group G of the World Cup to decide who makes it through to the knockout stages.
Serbia form guideDragan Stojkovic’s team kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 defeat against group favourites Brazil before drawing 3-3 with Cameroon in their last match. They will know that only a victory in this clash would be good enough to ensure progress to the knockout stages. Even then, their progression would depend on Cameroon suffering defeat against Brazil.
Serbia’s results at the World Cup have been disappointing, as they had headed into the tournament on the back of five wins in six international matches. However, their results have followed a poor trend for Serbia at the World Cup, as they are now winless in four games in the competition, having suffered three defeats.
Switzerland form guideMurat Yakin’s team head into this clash in second place in the group behind Brazil. A victory would ensure their progress to the last 16. However, a draw would be enough if Cameroon fails to beat Brazil in the other game in the group.
Switzerland kicked off their World Cup campaign with a 1-0 win over Cameroon before suffering a 1-0 defeat against Brazil in their last outing. This game always looked like one that would have great significance for Switzerland’s chances of qualification for the last 16. Their World Cup destiny is in their own hands.
Latest team newsSerbia has a full complement of players available for this clash. Switzerland has fitness doubts over Basel forward Noah Okafor. Attacking midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri may well return to the squad after missing out through injury last time out.
What am I backing?This game has a cagey affair written all over it. I am backing this one to be a low-scoring encounter, producing under 2.5 goals.
