Sweden 1-0 Switzerland: 5 Talking Points, World Cup 2018

#3 Poor final ball hampers Swiss productivity

Sweden v Switzerland: Shaqiri was kept quiet by a disciplined Swedish

defence

Coming into this World Cup as the 6th ranked team, the Swiss were expected to hold an edge over the Swedish team. And the air of expectations was there from this team which has improved as the tournament has progressed.

Despite being from the land of precision, the Swiss play was less than precise. Shaqiri, one of the livelier figures in this Swiss team was guilty of mishit and misplaced passes.

The Swiss generally rely on the “Alpine Messi” for inspiration and in this tie, the story wasn’t different. But as has already been noted this World Cup, for an individual to make an impact the team also has to be involved.

Shaqiri’s constant running and in-swinging crosses aside, a lack of a real goal scorer was sorely felt by this Swiss team. The match was a reasonable one with entertainment on offer and there were some real dynamic attacks on display. And as the game progressed, one could feel the Swiss frustration.