Last updated & checked: 10/08/2021
Switzerland will look to secure a win against Costa Rica in their final Group E game although they know a point will be enough to secure their progress to the last 16. A dramatic win for the European side against Serbia has put them in a commanding position but they will probably need a win, and maybe by a few goals, to beat Brazil to top spot.
For Costa Rica, they are out of the tournament but they will want to end the campaign on a high. They’ve failed to deliver in their previous two games but they pushed Brazil all the way. Nevertheless, it’s two defeats from two games and there is no repeat of their heroics frmo the World Cup in Brazil four years ago.
Here we will give you Switzerland vs Costa Rica betting tips, look at where the game will be won, the key players and a Switzerland vs Costa Rica prediction for the Group E encounter.
Our Switzerland vs Costa Rica Prediction: Switzerland 1-0 Costa Rica
Our Switzerland vs Costa Rica prediction tips is for the Swiss to maintain their good form and secure progression to the last 16 with a narrow win.
Switzerland have quietly impressed in Russia, with their defensive organisation and solid structure evident from the first two games. They haven’t always looked a major threat going forward but they’ve scored three goals in their two games and in Xherdan Shaqiri they have a potential matchwinner – as he displayed against Serbia last time out. They look good as a team and have a strong understanding which will help them throughout the tournament.
Meanwhile, Costa Rica have been poor so far and don’t seem to offer much going forward. They have a quality keeper in Keylor Navas and liek the Swiss are a good defensive side, which is why we think this could be a low-scoring encounter, but ultimately they don’t have the same quality on the pitch.
Our recommended tip – U2.5 goals
Neither side like to open up, take the game to the opposition or have real quality in the final third, so it’s hard to see this being an attacking match.
The Swiss stopped Brazil from creating many clear chances which is a fine achievement and whilst they struggled at times with the Serbs physicality, they are still a resolute side. Therefore, they will expect to keep a clean sheet against a Costa Rica side that are weak in the final third. With the importance of this fixture all on Switzerland, we expect them to give little away, do a professional job and secure a victory in what might not be the most captivating game.
Previous matches
The clash in Nizhny Novgorod will be the third fixture between the two nations but their first competitive game which is perhaps unsurprising given they aren’t regulars at the World Cup.
As mentioned, the Swiss have been impressive and decent on the whole, getting four points from the two better sides in the group is a good achievement. The way they stifled Brazil was impressive and the second half against Serbia was a complete performance and shows the character they have in the team that they can respond to a setback. They will be very confident heading into the last game and know they have the quality to win.
Meanwhile, Costa Rica are out and haven’t impressed. They are a limited side and that has been the case in their performances. The squad is ageing and they don’t press with the energy that they used too and lack the pace on the counter that they had in Brazil. It means they aren’t a great watch and it’s no surprise that they are out.
Top 3 World Cup Bookies
Players to watch – Xherdan Shaqiri & Bryan Ruiz
The Stoke City man was excellent against Serbia last time out, inspiring his country to a win that included scoring the winner. In a Swiss side that is one dimensional going forward, they are reliant on the pint-sized star but he has often delivered. He is their talisman and will want to ensure the Swiss progress with minimum fuss, potentially as group winners too.
For Costa Rica, it’s about restoring a bit of pride and hopefully grabbing a goal. Key to that will be former Fulham man Ruiz who hasn’t performed well so far. However, he has good technique, can pick a pass and can score goals. It may not matter but he will want to end on a high in what is potentially his last tournament.
