Swiss set for ‘friendly’ with soulmates Costa Rica

AFTER winning a politically-charged match against Serbia, Switzerland are unlikely to face the same hostility when they face already-eliminated Costa Rica in Group E of the World Cup today.

Switzerland, needing a draw to reach the last 16 of the tournament, have a number of ethnic Albanians in their squad and they were given a hostile reception by Serbian fans in Friday’s dramatic 2-1 win in Kaliningrad.

Clearly fired up, goalscorers Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri both celebrated with a gesture which appeared to imitate the eagle displayed on Albania’s flag. Xhaka and S haqi r i e s c a ped b a ns b ut were finedUS$10,000 each by FIFA.

There should not be any similar problems against the Central Americans today. Although they are more than 9,000km apart and speak different languages and have different cultures, the two small, rugged nations are considered similar in many ways, with Costa Rica often labelled as the Switzerland of Central America.

Both are renowned for political stability, neutrality and tranquillity as well as for natural beauty. The two also enjoy close diplomatic ties.

In football terms, there are also similarities, with both countries tending to punch above their weight.

Switzerland and Costa Rica are making their fifth World Cup appearances since 1990, and both got beyond the group stage in 2014.

Both have small domestic competitions with 10 teams in Switzerland’s Super League and 12 in Costa Rica’s Primera Division, and both are exporters of players.

Costa Rica have seven home-based players in their 23-man squad while Switzerland have one – FC Basel’s Michael Lang.

If anything, there is a risk that Switzerland could be too relaxed for the match although that suggestion was dismissed by midfielder Gelson Fernandes.

“We know how much quality they have – they will play with their hearts, it is their last game, they are proud to be in the World Cup,” he said.

“They are proud to represent their country and their first two games were very close, so we mustn’t start thinking it is going to be an easy game.” – Reuters