SWITZERLAND vs NORWAY

Switzerland and Norway take on each other in what promises to be a crunch match in the World Cup qualifying. Both teams are separated only by three points in group E, with Norway having the opportunity to overtake their opponents with victory.

Switzerland, though, will be hoping to use the home advantage to at least get a draw from the match, which would be a great result for the team given that it would almost ensure them qualification. There are only a few matches left in the World Cup qualifying campaign for both teams.

Switzerland have a much better goal difference than Norway, and manager Ottmar Hitzfeld is extremely confident ahead of the match. He has said that their opponents will be extremely organised in defence. Hence, they will be difficult to break down even though they will be looking for a victory. Bayern Munich striker Xherdan Shaqiri is also looking forward to the match, as he sees this as a great opportunity to improve the form of the team going into the final few rounds of qualification.

Switzerland come into the match with a decent run of form after having not lost the last five World Cup qualifying encounters, while Norway have suffered one defeat during this period.

"Our team knows that they're playing against a strong opponent, as we have seen in the Bern game against Norway. Norway are a strong team with excellent defensive organisation, and they have improved their creative abilities as well. They combine well and have a good structure to their game. They are a tough opponent, but we have a team which has shown great efforts against tough opponents. In order to improve a team, I believe it is important to have setbacks, too," said the former Bayern Munich manager ahead of this crunch match.