Switzerland and Bosnia-Herzegovina will both aim to put frustrating starts to the World Cup behind them when they face off in their Group B encounter in Los Angeles.
Group favourites Switzerland looked set to claim all three points in their first game with Qatar, only to be pegged back by a 94th-minute equaliser and left to settle for a 1-1 draw in a game they were expected to win comfortably.
Bosnia also let a lead slip as they were held to a 1-1 draw by co-hosts Canada, leaving them with work to do if they are to reach the knockout rounds for the first time.
Switzerland have reached the knockout rounds in each of the last three World Cups, though they have never gone beyond the last 16.
With their superior pedigree at this level, Switzerland will be hoping to kick-start their campaign with a win, though both teams will be hopeful that the air-conditioned surroundings of SoFi Stadium will facilitate improved performances after they each had to deal with the heat in the San Francisco Bay Area and Toronto respectively.
Bosnia coach Sergej Barbarez lamented a “defensive” approach in their stalemate with Canada, but they may be in a better position to be more expansive should Edin Dzeko return after missing the first game through injury.
Switzerland, meanwhile, will look to be much more clinical after finding the net just once from 26 shots against Qatar, with Breel Embolo’s goal coming from the penalty spot.
That frustrating result made it just one win in six for Murat Yakin’s side, and it is crucial for Switzerland that they end that run and ensure their final group game with Canada is not a must-win.
