Confident Switzerland face already eliminated Costa Rica

Nizhny Novgorod, June 26: Switzerland will be aiming for a pre-quarterfinal berth when they face the already eliminated Costa Rica in a Group E tie here on Wednesday. A win or even a draw will be enough for Switzerland to book themselves a ticket for the knockout stages. Switzerland have four points -- the same as Brazil who are at the top of the table with a better goal difference. Serbia, who play Brazil at the same time, have three points.

Costa Rica, on the other hand, will be looking to wrap up their 2018 FIFA World Cup journey with a victory after failing to enter the Round of 16.

The Swiss side will be high on confidence after they held tournament favourites Brazil to a 1-1 draw before beating Serbia 2-1 on Friday.

Vladimir Petkovic-coached Switzerland showed remarkable defensive solidity and enough potency in attack in their past two games to suggest that they might create problems for Costa Rica on Wednesday.

For Switzerland, Fabian Schar and Manuel Akanji are likely to play in central defence and there is a chance Johan Djourou could also start.

Captain Stephen Lichtsteiner and Ricardo Rodriguez will be the full backs with Granit Xhaka, Blerim Dzemaili and Valon Behrami in midfield.

Up front Xherdan Shakiri, Steven Zuber and centre-forward Haris Seferovic will provide pace on the break.

Switzerland midfielder Gelson Fernandes felt that it wouldn't be an easy outing for his team on Tuesday. IANS

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