Despite a 2-1 defeat against Germany, Sweden convincingly topped the Group F, while Switzerland impressed in the Group E staying unbeaten in all three matches. Their head-to-head duel of the Round of 16 is set for Tuesday, July 3rd, 2018, at Saint Petersburg Stadium where the bettors can expect a real war on the pitch between two physically dominant sides.
Sweden vs. Switzerland
3-Way: 1: Sweden +210; X: +200 Draw; 2: Switzerland +170 at BetDSI Sportsbook
Spread 0: Sweden +112; Switzerland -123
Total +2: Over +110; Under -125
Both Teams to Score Yes/No: +120/-164
SWEDEN
The Blue-Yellow has overcome the stiff competition in the Group F, finishing on the top of the table with two wins, one defeat and a goal difference of 5:2, while the 3-0 victory over Mexico in the ultimate game of the group stage was particularly impressive. Sweden was unlucky in a 2-1 defeat against Germany to concede a decisive goal in the dying seconds of the second half, but they showed the mental strength with a convincing win against El Tri.
The manager Janne Andersson uses a rigid 4-4-2 system with a defensive line lying deep into the own half, while both strikers Ola Toivonen and Marcus Berg do the excellent job in the team’s defensive work. On the other side, Andersson’s boys rely on quick counter-attacks, preferring a direct-passing style of play, and trading on their physical strength in the opposite box. The skillful Emil Forsberg is a key player in the middle of the park, while the captain Andreas Granqvist orchestrates the defense. The Blue-Yellow will probably miss a hard-working midfielder Sebastian Larsson due to an injury, and Larsson is an important member of the starting lineup.
- Sweden is at +6600 to beat the 2018 World Cup
- Sweden is a +500 underdog to reach the Semi-Final
- Sweden is at +450 to be eliminated by a penalty shootout
SWITZERLAND
The Nati had an excellent World Cup campaign thus far, recording one win and a couple of stalemates with a 5:4 goal difference in the Group E. In the opening clash, the Swiss pull out a well-deserved 1-1 draw against mighty Brazil, playing some exceptional defense with a high pressure, while they’ve beaten Serbia 2-1 in the second match of the group phase. The ultimate clash with Costa Rica was finished in a 2-2 draw, but it was enough for the Nati to reach the Round of 16 for the fourth time in their last five appearances on the biggest stage.
Switzerland is a pure hard-working team with a remarkable pace, possessing plenty of guys who can run tirelessly, while the Nati is also a physically strong side. However, they also know how to keep the ball in possession when it’s needed, while the talented forward Xherdan Shaqiri is the leader of the team whose dribbling skills and creativity are both invaluable for the Swiss. The manager Vladimir Petkovic will have some problems to field his best eleven against Sweden, as the defensive duo Stephan Lichtsteiner and Fabian Schar will have to serve the yellow card suspension.
- Switzerland is at +4000 to win the title in Russia
- Switzerland is a +400 underdog to reach the last four
- Switzerland is at +450 to be eliminated by a penalty shootout
Sweden vs. Switzerland – Match and Odds Breakdown
According to BetDSI Sportsbook, this should be a very tight match with no more than two goals on the scoreboard, as -227 odds are set on the under 2.5 goals in total. Both sides prefer to play patiently, relying on a tough defensive job, so it shouldn’t be different this time with so much on the stake. Soccer is a strange game where one accidental goal can completely change the flow of the match, so betting on the totals could be a tricky affair.
If we get a cautious play on both sides, then a draw on the halftime at -120 should be an easy money, while I cannot separate these two teams, so I’ll go with a draw at the end of the 90 minutes.
The Pick: Draw (+200)
Additional Pick: Draw at HT (-120)
