Canada vs. Switzerland Match Preview | OneFootball

The first of the final group stage matches will feature Group B, and of the two Canada vs. Switzerland is definitely the one to watch.

How They Got Here

From World Cup zeros to World Cup heroes, watching the transformation of Canada has been awesome. In their opening game, the Maple Leafs earned their first ever World Cup point after Cyle Larin’s clutch equalizer brought them level with Bosnia & Herzegovina.

They followed that up with a thoroughly dominant 6-0 beat down of Qatar to record the nation’s first World Cup victory. Now, facing their final group stage match, they could make lightning strike for a third time by securing their place in the knockout phase.

To do so, however, they must go through Switzerland. The Nati started slowly, squandering multiple chances in their opener against Qatar and conceding a heart-breaking equalizer deep in stoppage time. But they rebounded against Bosnia, scoring four after the 70th minute in an attacking frenzy.

This alpine nation is oft ignored by the soccer world, but they are shockingly efficient at tournament play. They’ve qualified for the last six World Cups, advanced into the knockout stages four of those times, and are very likely to advance in this one. The only question is whether they will be first or second in Group B.

Which brings us to this match.

What’s at Stake

The rewards ensure that this fixture will not be treated lackadaisically by either side. Both teams are equal on four points, with Canada having the edge in goal differential. The match winner takes top spot and will play their Round of 32 match in Vancouver on July 2nd against a third place finisher. The loser must travel to Los Angeles to play the runner-up of Group A on June 28th.

For Canada, topping the group allows them to play at home through the Round of 16. Furthermore, the team has an outstanding record playing at BC Place with only one loss. These are powerful incentives to win, although a draw would also suffice.

Switzerland probably doesn’t care about the venue, but they will certainly welcome the extra three days of rest. Equally, they will desperately want to avoid facing the Group A runner-up, which is most likely going to be South Korea (assuming they defeat South Africa).

Canada Team Status

Ismaël Koné’s surgery to mend that broken ankle suffered during the Qatar match went positively and he obviously won’t feature here. Three of their starting defenders are also on yellow cards, which is a consideration Jesse Marsch must take seriously. Any card drawn in this match would make them ineligible for the Round of 32. Expect Derek Cornelius, Luc De Fougerolles and Alistair Johnston to all be grabbing bench and give starts to Moïse Bombito, Richie Laryea and Niko Sigur. The status of center-back Alfie Jones’ thigh injury is unknown. He’s unlikely to start but could appear in the dying minutes, particularly if Canada has a lead.

Nathan Saliba will take Koné’s place in center midfield, and Ali Ahmed starts on the left. Captain Stephen Eustáquio and right flanker Tajon Buchanan round out the midfield, while Cyle Larin and Jonathan David are the forwards. No disrespect to Alphonso Davies, but that pair have five goals between them. You don’t quench that fire.

Switzerland Team Status

Murat Yakin only has two yellow cards to work around. One of these is held by defender Nico Elvedi. I strongly suspect he makes way for Stuttgart’s Luca Jaquez, paired alongside veteran back Manuel Akanji. Silvan Widmer and Ricardo Rodríguez flank. Captain Granit Xhaka is the heart of the squad and starts in center midfield, with his usual partners Michel Aebischer and Remo Freuler.

Up front, Yakin will have some hard choices to make. Substitutes Johan Manzambi and Rubén Vargas combined for three goals in under 15 minutes against Bosnia, while usual starters Dan Ndoye and Breel Embolo had much less impact. Three of the four will get the call; just not sure which ones.

The Hooligan Take

Canada will seize their moment. They have the talent; they have the home crowd. The rewards are too great for them to not go all-out. Switzerland won’t make it easy, but ultimately Les Rouges will prevail.

Final score: Canada 3 – 2 Switzerland