Switzerland vs Costa Rica
Switzerland need just one more win to secure their ticket to the World Cup 2018 knockout rounds. Fortunately, the draw can’t get any more favourable as they are scheduled to face a Costa Rican team that is yet to win in the group.
With the top two spots in Group E still available, the Swiss know they can’t afford any slip-up when they play at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. After all, even a draw between Brazil and Serbia could force them out of the running if they lose against Los Ticos.
Sure enough, like any other team, Costa Rica will be keen to restore some pride in the tournament; and they will be hoping for the best as Switzerland face some controversy ahead of the crucial match-up.
Talking Points
Switzerland have a good shot at winning this game…that is IF Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri feature for them.
Unfortunately, that is still in question after their actions in Switzerland’s recent game against Serbia.
We’re not talking about their goals that paved the way for Switzerland’s 2-1 win over the Serbs. No one would be punished for that! However, it is their “celebration” after that that sparked so much controversy and raised plenty of eyebrows.
After scoring, both Xhaka and Shaqiri were seen celebrating by making a “double-headed eagle” gesture, symbolising the Albanian flag—a nod to their Kosovan roots.
Both players are ethnic Albanians from Kosovo, where a Serbian crackdown in the Albanian population happened in the 1990s leading to plenty of ill-feelings between the two nations.
Many fans deemed it as offensive and provocative, prompting FIFA to start an investigation. According to a statement by the organisation via the Evening Standard: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Swiss players Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri for their goal celebration during the match Switzerland vs. Serbia.”
Furthermore, based on the FIFA disciplinary code, “anyone who provokes the general public during a match will be suspended for two matches and sanctioned with a minimum fine of 5,000 Swiss francs (£3,800)”
Switzerland are still waiting for the results of the FIFA investigation, but if the case is upheld, both Xhaka and Shaqiri will miss the final Group E game. And it will undoubtedly be a huge blow to the Swiss who need them now more than ever.
The two were involved in all of Switzerland’s goals in the tournament, with Shaqiri’s assist to Steven Zuber against Brazil still considered as one of the best World Cup 2018 highlights.
Costa Rica, on the other hand, will embrace every opportunity they can get to end the competition on a high note—a little consolation for their fans who were hoping for a repeat of Los Ticos’ 2014 World Cup run.
Oscar Ramirez’ men were unlucky to lose against Serbia and could have pulled off a draw against Brazil, though to no avail. Now, if Xhaka and Shaqiri receive punishment, then they have a legitimate shot at a win.
Real Madrid star goalkeeper Keylor Navas has been amazing for Costa Rica and should be able to put up a great display between the sticks once again.
History
Switzerland and Costa Rica have met two times before, but never in a major competition.
Their two meetings were both friendlies, Switzerland winning the first one 2-0 and Costa Rica taking the other with a 1-0 scoreline.
The Swiss, nonetheless, have an immaculate record against sides from CONCACAF, winning two and drawing two in their last four World Cup matches against teams from the said federation.
In contrast, Costa Rica have not won against European opposition in their last four outings in the FIFA-backed competition, finding the back of the net just once in those fixtures.
If there’s one silver lining for Los Ticos, it’s the fact that they are not too far removed from their best World Cup performance, in 2014 that saw them reach the quarter-finals of the tournament.
They may be out of the running, but if they can rediscover some of their magic from four years ago, Costa Rica can at least give their fans a reason to smile before heading back home.
What are the odds?
Considering Switzerland’s performance so far, it’s no wonder why the World Cup 2018 betting odds have them as the easy winners at 1X2 @ 1.81.
With nothing set in stone yet though and Switzerland still doubtful to have their two best players, Costa Rica might be valuable options at 1X2 @ 4.70.
On the other hand, regardless of the availability of their players, a low-scoring affair might be on the books. Our SBOBET odds have Over 1.75 at 1.60 and Under 2.25 at 1.75, implying that a two-goal game might be the best that fans can expect.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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