Sweden vs Switzerland: Embolo not ready for another plane home

Breel Embolo of Switzerland went home after the World Cup group stage for the birth of his daughter but is now ready to take on Sweden.

Published : Jul 03, 2018 09:32 IST , St Petersburg

Switzerland's Blerim Dzemaili (right) celebrates with Breel Embolo after scoring against Costa Rica in the group stages.
Switzerland's Blerim Dzemaili (right) celebrates with Breel Embolo after scoring against Costa Rica in the group stages.
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Switzerland's Blerim Dzemaili (right) celebrates with Breel Embolo after scoring against Costa Rica in the group stages.

Embolo is yet to find the net in two substitute appearances and a start so far in Russia but could provide an alternative at centre-forward for head coach Vladimir Petkovic, where Haris Seferovic and Mario Gavranovic have both failed to impress. Josip Drmic pressed his own case by scoring against Costa Rica.

"Sweden are a strong team," the 21-year-old said. "But we'll be very well prepared. We'll give it our all to get to the quarter-finals.

"Two years ago, we lost to Poland in the last 16 at Euro 2016. We learned from that. The fact we've been able to come from behind twice here in Russia shows we're ready for more."

READ: Switzerland puts politics aside to keep World Cup journey rolling

Sweden will be without Sebastian Larsson through suspension, meaning a possible start for Gustav Svensson in midfield, while Switzerland is without defensive duo Stephan Lichtsteiner and Fabian Schar after they picked up two bookings apiece in the group stage.

In a game that does not necessarily promise the level of entertainment value provided so far during the knockout stages, Sweden boss Janne Andersson expects his forwards to lead the defensive effort from the front.

 

"The starting point is that every player on the pitch is a defender," he told a news conference.

"It’s what Marcus Berg and Ola Toivonen personify the most, with the work they do.

"Then we relate to each other and not to where the opponents are. We don't run to chase our opponents."

Players to watch

Sweden – Emil Forsberg

Sweden's closest approximation of a bona fide star after Zlatan Ibrahimovic left the international stage skilful RB Leipzig playmaker Forsberg is yet to bring his best form to the World Cup. It would be the perfect time to find it.

Switzerland – Xherdan Shaqiri

The winger's late winner in the emotionally charged group-stage victory over Serbia provided one of the moments of Russia 2018 so far. An explosive game-changer on his day, Shaqiri might be the man to break open what is expected to be a tight contest.

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