FIFA World Cup 2018: Serbia vs Switzerland

A late goal by Xherdan Shaqiri led Switzerland to beat Serbia 2-1 in their second Group E game. This result places Swiss in a good situation as they are guaranteed to get out of the group stage with a win in their final match against Costa Rica, whilst Serbia need to overcome Brazil.

The starting XIs were almost identical to the ones Switzerland and Serbia utilised during their first games with the only change coming for Mladen Krstajic’s side where Kostic took the place of Adem Ljaic as left-winger. Swiss coach Vladimir Petokovic kept his team unchanged from their superb display against Brazil in the opener.

Serbia went ahead in the fifth minute courtesy of an Aleksandar Mitrovic’s header following a perfect Dusan Tadic cross from the right side. But Switzerland reversed the game’s momentum in the second half when Granit Xhaka hit from outside the box past to beat Serbian goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic. This goal turned the match as it went into Swiss hands and ultimately Shaqiri poked the ball past Stojkovic to score the winner for his team.

Here below are some thoughts on Switzerlands 2-1 win at the Kaliningrad Stadium.

Serbia’s tactical approach

Serbia’s tactical approach is well-known. They use the wings to deliver crosses in for Milinkovic-Savic and Mitrovic up top, trying to win the second ball. These crosses are provided by the wingers and also by the full-backs from lower positions.

Opta stats taken by Whoscored.com highlights how much this has been a game of crosses and direct balls. Running this way, Serbia gained the control by adopting a strong but still organised brand of football which raised comparison with the one orchestrated by Croatia. The difference is that while Croatia don’t necessarily have to win the second balls to create danger, Serbia do. It worked in the first half while it didn’t in the second 45 minutes of play.

A good weapon for Krstajic’s team in the first part of the match has been the smart movements made by Tadic from the right side, particularly the assist he produced for Mitrovic’s opening goal.