Serbia vs Switzerland, FIFA World Cup 2022, Today Match Prediction

Serbia vs Switzerland Match Prediction & Analysis

This is a tough one to call. Neither Switzerland or Serbia have set this tournament alight so far, although they’ve both been unlucky to be drawn in the same group as Brazil.

Switzerland are usually favourites to qualify for the Round of 16, and that’s how things are shaping up for them here, despite not looking convincing in their two games so far.

Their narrow 1-0 victory over Cameroon was followed by defeat against Brazil. A draw here should be enough, although victory would guarantee safe passage.

Serbia are facing the exit door unless they can beat this solid Swiss side in what will surely be a tense, tight battle across 90 minutes.

They thought they had three points in the bag when they went into a 3-1 lead over Cameroon, only to see the African nation peg them back.

They need a massive performance here.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Serbia Preview

FIFA Ranking: 21

Predicted Finish: Group Stage

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Have outscored Swiss at this World Cup

     Mitrovic looks back to full fitness after injury concerns

Reasons to be fearful:

     Missed huge opportunity to win over Cameroon

     Their defence isn’t up to the same standard as their attack

Serbia were predicted by many to be dark horses at this tournament, perhaps going on to surprise one or two along the way.

That hasn’t happened so far, although they still harbour hopes of qualifying if they secure a win here. Switzerland will present a tough challenge, of course, and they won’t find the spaces they did against Cameroon.

While Serbia have outscored the Swiss at this tournament by three to one, they’ve conceded five times as many too. It’s that second statistic that they must improve upon here.

Star Man – Aleksandar Mitrovic

The Fulham striker finally looks back to peak fitness after injury struggles coming into this tournament. Now has a World Cup goal to his name.

Switzerland Preview

FIFA Ranking: 15

Predicted Finish: Round of 16

Reasons to be cheerful

     A draw should be enough although a win would guarantee qualification

     Have only conceded one goal at this tournament

Reasons to be fearful

     Don’t have the firepower going forward that Serbia have

     Can’t afford to be passive here

Switzerland have a habit of being passive in games at this World Cup so far. Instead of being proactive and taking the game to their opponents, they have been slow and steady.

They cannot afford to do that here, as Serbia will come out the traps quickly you feel. If they go a goal down, they may struggle to come back into the game.

The Swiss have shown defensive solidarity at this tournament, of course. With just one goal conceded, they have proven hard for teams to break down. They could do with scoring a few more too, it must be said.

As always, Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler have important jobs to do in midfield, while Vargas and Shaquiri always offer energy down the wings. 

Star Man – Breel Embolo

Embolo has developed into a fine central striker for Switzerland and has their only goal of this tournament so far. He could do with better service in the box from his teammates.