WEDNESDAY, jULY 8, AT 1:30 aM
Houston, July 6: Switzerland and Colombia will battle for a place in the quarterfinals when two of the tournament’s most in-form sides meet in a highly anticipated FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash on Tuesday.
Switzerland have recovered impressively from an underwhelming start to the tournament. After opening their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Qatar, Murat Yakin’s side have strung together four consecutive victories to emerge as one of the competition’s dark horses.The Swiss rediscovered their rhythm with a commanding 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, where a late surge inspired by substitutes Johan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas saw all five goals scored after the 74th minute.
Encouraged by their impact, Yakin handed both players starting roles in Switzerland’s final group-stage fixture, a 2-1 victory over co-hosts Canada that secured top spot in Group B and a place in the knockout rounds.The pair continued to impress in Switzerland’s Round of 32 victory over Algeria. Manzambi, in particular, stood out by setting up Breel Embolo’s early opener in a 2-0 success that underlined the team’s growing confidence.Colombia, meanwhile, arrive in equally impressive form, having recorded five wins and a draw in their last six matches.Their only dropped points came in a goalless draw against Portugal in the final group-stage match. (AP)
