A game that looks barren on paper, but the significance of this cannot be underestimated, and not just for footballing reasons. A handful of Switzerland players, the most vocal being the dynamic Xerdan Shaquiri who was born in the former Yugoslavia to Kosovar-Albanian parents, have declare dtheir support for Kosovom that declared independence from Serbia, the country that still refuses to recognise it as a state.
This is the first time the two countries have ever met and the spice might be all too apparent as the two go head-to-head this evening.
The Group E match between Serbia and Switzerland kicks off at 7pm at the Kalinigrad Stadium.
Serbia
The Orlovi have started well, procuring a 1-0 win over Costa Rica but know the job is far from over, particularly after Brazil’s earlier injury-time win over their last opponents earlier today. A win for Mladen Krstajic’s men will guarantee entry into the knock-out stages for the first time in 20 years.
Players To Watch
One player a whole host of clubs, including Manchester United, will be keeping tabs on is the Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. Dynamic and powerful against Costa Rica, another strong showing is sure to keep putting his asking price up exponentially.
Absences
Serbia have no injuries or suspensions. Luka Milivojecic suffered a minor knock in the last game.
Predicted Line-Up
Vladimir Stojkovic - Aleksandar Kolarov - Dusko Tosic - Nikola Milenkovic - Branislav Ivanovic - Luka Milivojevic - Nemanja Matic - Adem Ljajc - Sergej Milinkovic-Savic - Dusan Tadic - Aleksandar Mitrovic
Switzerland
In their qualifying campaign to get to Russia, Switzerland didn’t drop a single point until their final game. Coach Vladimir Petkovic has allowed Switzerland to make an excellent start to their fourth consecutive World Cup Finals, securing a draw against one of the favourites for the tournament, Brazil.
Players To Watch
'The Magic Dwarf' Xerdan Shaquiri has his football boots adorned with both the Switzerland and Kosovo. He remains a fantastic player to watch, but his celebrations for any participation in goals scored for the Rossocrociati might be the must-watch here, being sure to rile a fair amount of the Serbian contingent in attendance in Kalingrad.
Absences
Valon Behrami is receiving treatment for a muscle injury.
Predicted Line-Up
Yann Sommer - Ricardo Rodriguez - Manuel Akanji - Fabian Schar - Stephan Lichtsteiner - Valon Behrami - Granit Xhaka - Blerim Dzemaili - Steven Zuber - Xherdan Shaquiri - Haris Seferovic
Did You Know?
After starting against Brazil, defender Valon Behrami became the first player for Switzerland to appear in four different World Cup finals (2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018).
Prediction: Serbia 1-1 Switzerland
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