Switzerland vs Iceland

Switzerland are hosting Iceland in Group E where they will look to strengthen their position at the top with a win.

The hosts were projected as winning the group easily and so far they are justifying their role as favorites. They have 14 points coming from 4 wins and 2 draws while their defense has been great so far conceding only one goal and not losing a single game. In the last match they defeated Cyprus 1-0 at home after a goalless performance from both team in their match in Cyprus. Victory is a must here as they will have a tough road match on Tuesday against Norway. Coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has prepared his team for this match and he certainly has the winning formula in his pocket. They are in good form and have gained a lot of confidence and motive for a great performance in friendly match victory against Brazil 1-0.


Iceland are currently 3rd in the group with 9 points coming from (3-0-3) record. On the road they are surprisingly good as they won their last two matches against Slovenia and Albania, both finished 2-1 in their favor. In their last group match they lost against Slovenia at home 4-2, which has spoiled their plans of getting the 2nd place. They are behind Albania by just a point and they will look to get a best possible result against the Swiss. They got a win in a friendly match against Faroe Islands 1-0 at home and they come positive-minded in the clash against the group's best team. Last time they played them at home they ended up defeated 2-0. Tradition is not on their side because every time they played against Switzerland they were defeated (5 matches in total).


Switzerland are looking to close the deal in the group as Albania has a tough road match against Slovenia. With a win here and a possible poor performance from Albanians in Slovenia, they could "kill two flies with one strike" and secure a direct ticket to Brazil. The visitors are expected not to approach the game defensive-minded because that tactic would certainly decrease their chances in getting a good result which is draw in their case.