The race for top spot and qualification from Group E at the World Cup is on. Brazil are top of the group on goal difference going into the final games, but tied on points with Switzerland. Should either slip up, then Serbia are just behind with three points and could still qualify. Costa Rica are already out of the tournament and they sit with 0 points at the bottom of the standings, and they are yey to score a goal.

That trend looks set to continue when they take on Switzerland, who look to be solid enough in defence to keep Costa Rica out, as well as being good enough to win the game. They know a slip up could potentially cost them a place in the knockout round, so there is no danger of Switzerland taking Costa Rica lightly in this one.

In their first two games we have seen glimpses of promise from Costa Rica, but very little to show they can beat a team like Switzerland. They have not really created much going forward, and the Swiss defence should be in for a relatively quiet 90 minutes when they take to the field. Going forward is where Switzerland are at their best, and they have enough attacking ability in their team to cut open Costa Rica and punish them. Serbia only managed to score one past Costa Rica, and Brazil left it until stoppage time to score their two goals, but both performed poorly in their games. Switzerland are now settled into the tournament, and they are playing in a game where scoring goals will be crucial, that can be enough to see them score at least a couple of goals against Costa Rica.

Should Brazil win their game against Serbia and Switzerland beat Costa Rica, the group winners will be decided on goal difference. As it stands now, Brazil have a one goal cushion in that department, but Switzerland have a great chance to rectify that if they come out and attack Costa Rica from the off.

Switzerland vs Costa Rica – Who Wins?

This looks likely to be the third game in a row where Costa Rica will fail to score at the World Cup. We have seen the odd attacking move from them, but on the whole very little to suggest they are capable of scoring a goal against Switzerland. They are already out and playing a team who knows they need to win to guarantee qualification into the knockout round. They also know that goals are key here, because building their goal difference gives them a chance to take top spot away from Brazil.

This should be a comfortable game for Switzerland and not only can they win the game, but they can also record a clean sheet. Backing them to win to nil is where the value lies here, enhancing the price of the win against a team that has very little attacking threat in them. Switzerland should take this comfortably before heading into the last 16.

Receive exclusive betting tips and offers directly to your inbox. Receive exclusive betting tips and offers. SIGN UP