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Unbeaten at the World Cup, Switzerland and Colombia go head-to-head for a place in the quarter-finals in one of the most evenly matched ties of the round of 16.
Switzerland come into the match on the back of a notable 2-0 win over Algeria, a result that took the European side into the last 16 and marked their first knockout stage victory at a World Cup since 1938. Breel Embolo opened the scoring early on, and Dan Ndoye sealed qualification in the second half.
The team led by Murat Yakin showed exactly its main strengths: organisation, compactness and the ability to attack at the right moments. Against Algeria, Switzerland absorbed pressure, controlled the spaces and exploited quick transitions, with Granit Xhaka once again a key figure in the team's balance.
Colombia also arrive in good form. The team managed by Néstor Lorenzo knocked out Ghana with a 1-0 win, thanks to a goal from Jhon Arias in the first half. The result kept the South Americans unbeaten in the tournament and confirmed their place in the last 16 after a consistent campaign since the group stage.
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Even without turning their dominance into a bigger scoreline, Colombia controlled much of the match against Ghana, created more chances and even had a Luis Díaz goal ruled out for offside. The game, however, also brought a concern: the Colombians were forced to make substitutions due to injury within the first 15 minutes.
The clash in Vancouver promises to be one of the tightest of the round. Switzerland have a very solid defensive structure, while Colombia combine intensity, possession and quality attacking options, such as Luis Díaz, Jhon Arias and Luis Suárez.
Check out our straightforward analysis of this match and follow our detailed predictions.
Switzerland v Colombia tips
Double chance: Colombia or draw – 2/7 @ bet365
Under 2.5 goals – 4/7 @ bet365
Draw at half-time – 1/1 @ bet365
Odds correct at time of writing, subject to change.
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Colombia with protection
Switzerland are coming off a very assured performance against Algeria and deserve respect for the level of organisation they have shown. Even so, Colombia seem to have more resources to take control of the game and create different attacking options.
Néstor Lorenzo's side arrive unbeaten and with good competitive maturity. Against Ghana, even without playing brilliantly throughout, they managed to control the scoreline, keep their lead and significantly reduce the opposition's attacking output.
Jhon Arias decided the last match whilst Luis Díaz remained the main individual threat. Even further than them, Colombia have enough physical strength to compete against a very organised Swiss side.
As the match is likely to be close, the draw protection seems a more interesting route than backing a straight win. Colombia have a slight technical edge and more creativity, but Switzerland will be far from easy to overcome.
Tip: Double chance: Colombia or draw – 2/7 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: This bet wins if Colombia win or if the match ends in a draw in normal time.
A game with few chances
The under 2.5 goals line fits perfectly with the profile of this match. Switzerland showed against Algeria that they can win without overexposing themselves, keeping a compact block and choosing the right moments to push forward.
Colombia also progressed with a narrow win, in a match where they dominated but found it hard to turn their superiority into goals. The team created chances, had a goal disallowed and were better than Ghana, but held onto their lead more through collective discipline than attacking onslaught.
In knockout football, the tendency is for both managers to avoid excessive risks, especially in the first 60 minutes. Switzerland are likely to respect Colombia's pace, while Colombia will need to be wary of the Europeans' transitions and aerial threat.
With two unbeaten, organised sides used to physical matches, the scenario points to a low-scoring game.
Tip: Under 2.5 goals – 4/7 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: This bet wins if the match ends with a maximum of two goals in total.
Cagey first half
Another interesting option is the draw at half-time market. Switzerland and Colombia both come into the game confident, but also aware that an early mistake could completely change the course of a knockout tie.
The Swiss side are usually very disciplined in the opening minutes, trying to control space before committing to attack. Even when they scored early against Algeria, it came from a quick transition, not from an all-out attacking approach from the start.
Colombia, meanwhile, have the quality to dictate play, but are unlikely to overcommit against a team that counter-attacks well. The South Americans may try to control possession and accelerate with Luis Díaz and Arias, but without neglecting defensive cover.
Therefore, the expectation is for a more tactical start, with plenty of midfield battles and few clear chances before the break.
Tip: Draw at half-time – 1/1 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: This bet wins if the first half ends level, regardless of the final result.
Switzerland v Colombia odds
Switzerland win – 3/1 @ bet365
Odds correct at time of writing, subject to change.
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