Serbia can spring big surprise
A TOPSY-TURVY Group E could be thrown into further disorder when Serbia and Switzerland clash tonight in a contest that could put one team on the brink of advancing.
A group that was supposed to see mighty Brazil at the top instead has Serbia, the lowest ranked in the pack, looking down at everyone after a 1-0 win over Costa Rica in its opener while the South Americans and Switzerland battled to a 1-1 draw.
However, the stakes are higher in game two, with Serbia able to put a stranglehold on a knockout spot with a second victory, while the Swiss can add to their dark horse status by following up with another positive result.
Delivering a suitable encore, however, has at times eluded Switzerland, who eight years ago in South Africa beat eventual champion Spain but failed to advance out of the group stage.
The Alpine nation is unbeaten in its past six matches, including draws with favourites Brazil and Spain.
“I hope that people will take notice of us and take us seriously, sometimes there’s a lack of recognition and that’s a pity because we played very well,” said Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic.
The Swiss, as usual, are well organised and physical but will not intimidate the Serbs.
It could mean plenty of cards in a rough and tumble affair at Kaliningrad Stadium.
While the Serbs have an attacking reputation, both teams each scored just once in the opening matches.
Switzerland’s Steven Zuber rose high to head home from a corner to earn the draw against Brazil, while Aleksandar Kolarov curled home a superb free kick for Serbia’s winner.
“With respect to Switzerland, we have analysed all three opponents,” said Serbia coach Mladen Krstajic.
“We are going to watch for some details (from) when they played Brazil to make sure we have not missed any details.”