Switzerland still plays against fellow World Cup participant Japan and then concludes against Belarus. Japan then still plays against Paraguay.
Switzerland:
Switzerland reached no less than 27 points out of ten matches but was nevertheless permitted to play a playoffs for the World Cup in Russia. Both Switzerland and Portugal simply won twice from Hungary, Latvia, the Faroe Islands and Andorra. Both countries won one mutual meeting, but because the Portuguese had a much better goal difference, the Swiss had to play an extra play-off.
In the playoffs, Vladimir Petkovic’s team counted with Northern Ireland. The away match was won with 0-1, while no goals were scored in the home match.
There are few surprises in the selection of the Swiss. Defender Michael Lang is the only player to play in their own Swiss league. No less than ten players earn their living in the Bundesliga, while five players in the Serie A come out.
The Swiss have no big vedettes but form a solid team, which is not for nothing sixth on the FIFA-ranking. In three of the last four final tournaments, Switzerland managed to survive the group stage. That should certainly also be possible in a group with Brazil, Serbia and Costa Rica.
Japan:
Japan is there for the sixth consecutive time at a world championship. The Japanese knew a flawless qualification. In Asia, Akira Nishino’s team had to survive two qualifying pools.
In the first group, the Japanese had no trouble with Cambodia, Afghanistan, Singapore and Syria. The eight games played resulted in seven victories and a draw against Syria. Moreover, no counterstage was cashed and scored no less than 27 times.
In the second group, the Japanese got slightly more opposition, but the 20 played together in 10 games were narrow enough to stay ahead of Saudi Arabia and Australia (both 19 points), the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Thailand.
At the World Cup Japan is divided into a group with Colombia, Poland and Senegal. A heavy group, but the Japanese are certainly not out of luck for the knock-out phase.
The selection of Japan has a number of very nice players such as Shinji Kagawa, Keisuke Honda, Shinji Okazaki and Maya Yoshida.
PREDICTION: Switzerland to win @ 1.70
