FIFA World Cup 1st Knockout Round Preview

Sweden vs Switzerland

Sweden vs Switzerland

Sweden have impressed in the World Cup with wins over South Korea and Mexico and it was only a last gasp winner that denied them a well earned draw against Germany.

Sweden don't possess any real world class talent but are a well organised and well drilled unit that work hard both with and without possession.

Its tough to point to any player and say that he is the star of the Sweden team, but they have been very ably led by their skipper Andreas Granqvist who despite being a defender has bagged two goals in the competition so far.

Switzerland, like Sweden, have done well to get beyond a tough group and along the way earned a very creditable draw against much fancied Brazil. Their win against Serbia, after going a goal down, was the highlight of their tournament so far.

Unlike Sweden, Switzerland do possess some star players, such has Granit Xhaka, Xherdan Shaqiri and an explosive full back in Ricardo Rodriguez, who are capable of making game winning impact on their own.

Granit Xhaka possesses a fine long range shot and Sweden will have to keep a close watch on him and never allow him the space required to unleash one of his unstoppable left foot strikes.

Result - Switzerland are the slight favorites in this one, but thats not saying much. This game is perhaps the toughest one to pick a winner in. Expect a tight and uneventful fixture with 1 goal tilting the game for either team. Of all the knockout fixtures this one seems most likely to go to extra-time and possibly even penalties.