Ain't No Mountain High Enough for Switzerland
Even though it’s looking pretty sumptuous for Switzerland after a draw against Brazil and a win against Serbia, it’s not all wrapped up neatly in a bow just yet. Costa Rica lost their first two matches and have crashed out as expected. I believe the Swiss have what it takes to be the big cheeses here, to overcome Costa Rica, and make it to the knockout stages.
Switzerland
Against Serbia, especially in the second half, the Swiss showed just how many facets they have to their game. They showed how to defend and demonstrated how you turn a game on its head to win it at the last gasp. I have to confess I’m pretty impressed with Switzerland, especially considering I’d expected Serbia to be a much better team.
Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri have upped the tempo and will want to keep the Swiss yodelling into the knockout stages
After beating Serbia they’re in alpine spirits, but I don’t think their heads will be in the clouds for their game against Costa Rica. It’s still a match they need to win, but at the same time they appear to have a balance and have been as calm as cows, even in the bigger matches. Both Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri have upped the tempo and will want to keep the Swiss yodelling into the knockout stages.
Costa Rica
The Central Americans are out of the tournament, and unfortunately haven’t contributed a whole lot to it. They’ve relied on playing ultra defensive football without appearing to show any real ambition to score goals or create chances.
In one way I think it’s encouraging that they believed they could advance in this way. Keylor Navas in goal, as everyone expected, has been their best player. Celso Borges was hoping to step up for his country at this year’s World Cup but has disappointed on the whole.
Now Costa Rica go up against a fully loaded Switzerland side. I think Costa Rica will try to have some of the ball, let loose a little, and create more chances in their final game.
Match Tips
Switzerland go in as clear favourites in this match. They’re organised defensively and the motivation to push forward up the park when necessary is clearly there. Costa Rica are out and have everything to play for but I just don’t think they quite have it.
I’m going to play a straight win for Switzerland at odds of 7/10 with Betfair.
