Switzerland
Switzerland were the highest ranked team in Group B and many suggested they could be dark horses for a long run in the tournament, however they flattered to decieve in the opening match against Qatar, despite dominating the match they succumbed to a late equaliser.
They were not much better in game two vs Bosnia, for long periods they dominated but it took until the 74th minute to break the stubborn Bosnians down. Once they had the lead and Bosnia has to come out a little they showed some positive attacking football and ran out 4-1 winners.
Although they have failed to impress they still have the chance to justify the top ranking in the group when they head into this clash with Canada in Vancouver. They need to win to top the group but that could just help the Swiss.
Injuries & Team News
Murat Yakin made a couple of changes for the Bosnia game with Silvan Widmer & Fabian Rieder starting ahead of Denis Zakaria & Ruben Vargas. Zakaria is on a yellow card so he may again be on the bench, another player on the suspension tightrope is Nico Elvedi, although he is expected to start.
Breel Embolo scored in the opening game vs Qatar and if he finds the net against Canada he will move up to 7th in the all-time top scorer charts for Switzerland.
Granit Xhaka has had some criticism this week following the win over Bosnia, Xhaka stepped up to score a late penalty although Johan Manzambi was on a hat-trick…. Pundits were calling Xhaka selfish, but footage has since shown that Manzambi was off the pitch receiving treatment…. As a result it was a frosty Media Day with Xhaka on Monday.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 4-1 vs Bosnia |
L D W D D W |
Predicted Line-Up
Switzerland possible starting lineup:
Kobel; Widemer, Jaquez, Akanji, Rodriguez; Aebischer, Xhaka, Freuler; Ndoye, Embolo, Vargas
Canada
We never saw the Canada side that Jesse Marsch promised us in the opening match with Bosnia, for long periods they struggled against the Europeans having fallen behind early on they were saved by Cyle Larin. It did look like the occasion got to the Canadians.
It was a totally different story against Qatar in the 2nd Group B game when everything went in their favour. They got of to blistering start and were 2-0 up early on before a red card for Qatara effectively ended the contest. The continued to dominate and ended up 6-0 winners against the 9 men Qatari’s.
Injuries & Team News
Once again their are doubts over the fitness of superstar Alphonso Davies. The Bayern Munich man hasn’t featured at all in the opening two games and it’s not expected he will be risked here against Switzerland.
Midfielder Ismael Kone suffered a terrible broken leg vs Qatar and he will miss the rest of the Tournament. Better news for Marsch is Moise Bombito played a half of football against Qatar and he could earn a start in Kone’s absence.
Suspensions may also play a part in team selection, with a knockout place already secured Derek Cornelius & Luc de Fougerolles are both 1 yellow card away from missing the last 32 game.
Cyle Larin & Jonathan David are forming a formidable frontline, with Larin the first CONCACAF Player to score in consecutive world cup games since Clint Dempsey and David on the back of a hat-trick.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 6-0 vs Qatar |
D D W D D W |
Predicted Line-Up
Canada possible starting lineup:
Crepeau; Johnston, Bombito, Sigur, Laryea; Buchanan, Eustaquio, Saliba, Ahmed; David, Larin
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland Win | 7/5 – (2.40) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 9/4 – (3.25) | Dream Vegas |
| Canada Win | 5/2 – (3.50) | 247Bet |
Prediction
Switzerland 2-1 Canada
Both sides come into this on the back of strong results on matchday 2. Canada are in pole position to win the group but that might suit the Swiss with little pressure on them. Canada didn’t cope well in the opening game and it might get them again against a competent Swiss outfir.