Switzerland v Costa Rica - Preview and possible lineups

Switzerland:

It is being reported that Vladimir Petkovic could make some changes up front, after striker Haris Seferovic drew two blanks against Serbia and Brazil. The forward is set to be dropped, and either Mario Gavranovic or Breel Embolo could be introduced in his place.

There was fear in the aftermath of Switzerland's clash that Granit Xhaka, Xherdan Shaqiri and Stephen Lichtsteiner could be banned for their double-headed eagle celebrations, but thankfully for Petkovic, the trio got away with just a fine.

Costa Rica:

There are no fresh injury concerns for 'Los Ticos', and you would expect to see Oscar Ramirez give his side a license to attack, given that they are already eliminated. Kendall Waston will be introduced into the back line, with either Oscar Duarte or Giancarlo Gonzalez making way.

Switzerland boss Vladimir Petkovic:

Petkovic was asked about the risk of Costa Rica playing without fear given that they are already eliminated, and he said that this is something he has taken into account. "We have tried to take into account this question during our preparations," he said. "They're an opponent who don't want to go home with zero points."

"They have a lot of pressure on them, but we want to focus on ourselves and on our own team. They will arrive with great pride, and with hunger to take a point home with them. We are going to do what we can to win."

He also rejected the possibility of resting players on yellow cards to avoid bans. "In all of our games what we want to do is have the best players playing to guarantee three points," he stated.

Costa Rica boss Oscar Ramírez:

There has been talk over the past few days that Ramirez will lose his job at the end of the tournament, and he expressed his discontent at these rumours.

"I feel annoyed and hurt at the same time," he said. "I wanted to give happiness to the country. We have come up against a difficult group, and it has shown."

Did you know?

Switzerland and Costa Rica will be meeting for the first time at a World Cup, having only met twice outside of major tournaments. Switzerland need just a draw to go through, but if Serbia lose to Brazil they will progress regardless.

Form:

Possible lineups:

Switzerland: Sommer; Lichtsteiner, Schar, Akanji, Rodriguez; Behrami, Xhaka; Shaqiri, Dzemaili, Zuber; Gavranovic.

Serbia: Navas; Acosta, Gonzalez, Waston, Oviedo, Gamboa; Borges, Guzman, Ruiz, Bolanos; Urena. ​