The round of 16 stage of the World Cup continues this Tuesday with the showdown between Sweden and Switzerland. At press, Switzerland is priced -130 to win the game, with odds set at +192 to tie. Read on for a preview of this match below.
Who needs Zlatan Ibrahimovic? That’s been a refrain for Sweden so far in the tournament, as the they continue to win matches even without the legendary scorer on their roster. The Swedes surprisingly emerged as the winners of Group F with six points thanks to tiebreakers. In their last match, they deflated Mexico’s confidence with a3-0 thrashing of El Tri. There are at least one key change in the Sweden’s lineup, however, in the match this coming Tuesday, as midfielder Sebastian Larsson is out because of suspension, so expect Gustav Svensson to temporarily inherit the former’s spot in the starting lineup. After scoring just a goal in each of their first two matches in Russia, Sweden erupted for three goals against Mexico. Having found their offensive moxie to pair with their immense defense, the Swedes will look to take out Switzerland next.
Betting on Switzerland (-130)
The Swiss finished second in Group E with five points, two shy of tying group leaders Brazil’s seven. The man to watch for the Switzerland side is arguably Xherdan Shaqiri. The Stoke City midfielder scored one of the most dramatic goals in the tournament thus far when he netted the game-winner in a 2-1 win over Serbia. Shaqiri has the ability to create plays for others and break down opposing defense all by himself. Switzerland are hoping he’d deliver in what is expected to be a tight battle with Sweden. Shaqiri is the only Swiss player to score a goal in the knockout stages of a major tournament dating back to 1954. (He scored a goal in the Euro 16 versus Poland.) As for other personnel updates, Switzerland are going to miss the services of the defensive tandem of Stephan Lichtsteiner and Fabian Schar due to suspensions.
Writer’s Prediction
Switzerland book a spot in the quarterfinals thanks to Shaqiri’s heroics, beating Sweden, 2-1.
