Mitch Freeley

You can watch the stream of Switzerland Vs Costa Rica Live & Exclusive on beIN SPORTS CONNECT.

Match Report

Switzerland booked their spot in the last 16 of the World Cup courtesy of a 2-2 draw with Costa Rica in Nizhny Novgorod on Wednesday.

Brazil's win over Serbia in the night's other Group E game means that Vladimir Petkovic's side finish second in the pool and will take on Sweden in St Petersburg on Tuesday.

Switzerland – whose last-gasp win over Serbia in their second game set them up for progression to the knockout stages – were second best for large periods against their already eliminated opponents, but did take the lead just after the half-hour mark.

Blerim Dzemaili took advantage of generous marking to power home from close range before Kendall Waston pulled Costa Rica level shortly after the interval. 

Substitute Josip Drmic thought he had secured all three points for Switzerland with a cool 88th-minute finish before Bryan Ruiz's penalty cannoned off Yann Sommer for an unfortunate own goal to ensure a share of the spoils. 

Switzerland's attentions now turn to their crunch clash with Janne Andersson's side, while Costa Rica are left to reflect on a campaign that fell well short of their magical run to the quarter-finals in 2014.

Live Updates

Goals/Highlights

Watson scores for Costa Rica! 

31 - Blerim Dzemaili (Switzerland) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Breel Embolo with a headed pass.

Preview

Switzerland only needs a draw against already-eliminated Costa Rica to guarantee their place in the round of sixteen. 

Confidence will be high in the Switzerland camp, following they're come from behind 2-1 victory over Serbia. Although the victory to kick-start the European sides World Cup campaign was not without controversy. With stars Granit Xhaka & Xherdan Shaqiri both being fined by FIFA for their political goal celebrations. A reference to both players ethnic –Albanian background. 

Both players are expected to start against Costa Rica, and again will have a crucial role if Serbia is to come away with a vital point. Shaqiri, in particular, looked impressive against Serbia and the Stoke City player will likely start on the wing in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Another impressive performance from the diminutive winger could get the attention of some of Europe’s biggest club sides. 

Switzerland Predicted team
Sommer; Lichtsteiner, Schar, Akanji, Rodriguez; Behrami, Xhaka; Shaqiri, Dzemaili, Zuber; Seferovic

How to watch Online- beIN SPORTS CONNECT
TV Channel- MAX HD3
Kick-off- 21:00
Stadium-Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod

As for Costa Rica, they have nothing to play for having lost both their previous group games to Serbia & Brazil. It’s been a disappointing tournament for the 2014 quarter-finalists with their again squad exposed in their group games. A radical overhaul of players is needed if the Central American country is to qualify for Qatar 2022. 

Costa Rica is winless against their last four European opponents at the World Cup, and expect that run to continue on Wednesday evening. It’s likely to be the last major international tournament for former Fulham man Bryan Ruiz, and the playmaker will be Costa Rica’s man to watch against Switzerland. 

Costa Rica Predicted Team
Navas; Gonzales, Acosta, Duarte;Gamboa, Tejeda, Bolanos, Oviedo; Venegas; Ruiz; Urena 

It promises to be a fascinating encounter as Switzerland look to book their place in the round of sixteen against Costa Rica.  Watch the Live & Exclusive stream of the game on MAX HD3 & beIN SPORTS CONNECT.