Switzerland vs Slovenia

Switzerland – Slovenia – The most interesting situation in the Group E is about the second place, as two selections want that position that leads in the playoff. The Swiss are safely on first place and for them this match is without much significance, but the Slovenians must go after a victory or if the things don’t go as planned maybe reduce their objective to a draw, but in that case they would have to watch carefully what is going on at the match in Oslo. Both teams won on Friday, and in the first part of the qualifications Switzerland won in Ljubljana with 2-0. Some ten years ago the Swiss won two friendly matches against Slovenia, who won the Swiss only once as guests in 2001with 1-0.

Switzerland played these qualifications in a grand style and deservedly confirmed one round before the end its ticket for Brazil. They were never defeated in nine matches and had drew only three times, two of which took place at home, so we can freely say that they are more dangerous when playing away where they won the most of points and received only one goal, which happened a Friday at the latest away match in Albania but only when they already had an advantage of 2-0. Experienced coach Otmar Hitzfeld has excellently organised the team and ??maximally exploited the fact that their group was somewhat easier than others. They can play this match totally relieved of any worries and can sporty try to win because the match’s outcome decides about the second place. In the team there will be no for sure stopper Von Bergen to whom was showed the second yellow card in Tirana, and probably even Shaqiri who left the pitch due to injury. Some players like Kasami or Drmic will be probably given to Swiss Under-21 team, and Hitzfeld will certainly make several other changes as the result’s imperative is non-existent.

Slovenia finally woke up and plays better and better, but it could happen very easily that it’s too late. The Slovenians desperately poorly started this qualification and had recorded three defeats, when it seemed that they are not going to Brazil. They played poorly at the end of the last year and at the beginning of this year, and even lost all friendly matches. Then in late May won Turkey in a friendly match and from that moment everything changed. True, they have been defeated by Finland in a friendly match but in the qualifications have lined four victories, two of which in away matches, against Cyprus and Iceland. They won Albania in Ljubljana, and on Friday outclassed Norway in Maribor with 3-0, eliminating this selection from the battle for second place. Didn’t receive a single goal in last three matches, and experienced striker Novakovic was brilliant scoring all three goals against Norway. Midfielder Ilicic is out of the team due to injuries, and it is interesting that coach Katanec keeps striker Matavz on the bench. Given that Slovenia now must go after a victory, it is possible that he starts the upcoming match at the top of the attack alongside Novakovic .