Switzerland take on Colombia in the last 16 at the World Cup as both nations eye up a quarter-final place.
The Swiss won their first knockout tie at the World Cup in 88 years thanks to a 2-0 victory over Algeria in the round of 32. Colombia last reached the quarters 12 years ago, and they edged a narrow clash against Ghana by a single goal.
The South Americans start as slight favorites, but anything can happen at this stage of the tournament.
Switzerland peaking at the right time
Switzerland stuttered to an opening draw against Qatar in their opening game of the competition, but since then, Murat Yakin’s side has gotten better with each game.
A 4-1 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina was followed by a solid 2-1 victory against co-hosts Canada, which saw them win the group.
Into the last 32, the Swiss hadn’t won a World Cup knockout tie since the 1938 edition. A clash against Algeria was perhaps a favorable one on paper, but they still needed to avoid complacency and go and win the match.
That they did. First-half goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye sealed a fairly routine win, setting up this exciting clash against Colombia. History beckons for the Swiss, and a win over Colombia could set up a quarter-final tie against Argentina.
Yakin knows his players are peaking at precisely the right time. The question now is, can they go and deliver when it really matters?
Colombia eyeing another quarter-final appearance
Colombia may have missed out on Qatar in 2022, but the South Americans are making up for lost time. If they win, a first quarter-final appearance since 2014 awaits – although it is likely that Argentina will be their opponents.
Seven points from nine in the group stages were followed by a narrow 1-0 victory over Ghana in the round of 32.
James RodrÃguez was part of the Colombian squad in Brazil 12 years ago and he is still offering a key attacking threat in the final third. So far in North America, he averages 2.5 key passes per game, while he has created one big chance across his four matches so far.
The former Real Madrid star will be determined to lead his nation deep into the tournament once more.
Key players
Johan Manzambi started the tournament on the bench, but after shining in a 20-minute cameo against Bosnia – scoring twice and grabbing an assist – he is now a guaranteed starter for Switzerland.
The 20-year-old sensation scored once more against Canada in the final group match to help the Swiss seal top spot, thus earning him another start against Algeria.
Another goal might have eluded him, yet the midfielder did provide an assist in what was an excellent display. Colombia will have to keep a close watch on him during this round of 16 clash.
RodrÃguez may be the wily veteran in this Colombian team, but Luis DÃaz is arguably their main attacking threat. He scored and assisted during the opening 3-1 win over Uzbekistan, and while he has been fairly quiet since, the winger can burst into life at any given moment. And don’t forget the flanking threat from Daniel Muñoz. The Crystal Palace right back has two goals and is a proper menace with pace and crossing ability.
Predicted Lineups
Switzerland (4-2-3-1):
Kobel;
Zakaria, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez;
Freuler, Xhaka;
Ndoye, Manzambi, Vargas;
Embolo
Colombia (4-3-3):
Vargas;
Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica;
Puerta, Arias, Lerma;
Rodriguez, Saurez, Diaz
Prediction
Colombia might be slight favorites to win this tie, but the Swiss will be a tough opponent to break down. Expect this to be a tight affair in Vancouver, one that could potentially be decided by a single goal. Should the South Americans perform to their very best, it will be them who seal progress into the quarter-finals.
