Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina meet in Los Angeles in what could prove to be a pivotal encounter in Group B, with both sides aiming to take a significant step towards qualification for the knockout stages after drawing their opening matches.

Switzerland were left frustrated on matchday one after being held to a 1-1 draw by Qatar. Having taken an early lead, Murat Yakin’s side failed to capitalise on a number of chances before conceding a late equaliser in one of the tournament’s early surprises. The Swiss camp was understandably disappointed, with Yakin admitting afterwards that his team had “lost two points” rather than gained one.

Despite that setback, Switzerland remain favourites to top the group and can take confidence from their impressive record in major tournament group stages. The Red Crosses have lost just two of their last 17 group-stage matches at major international tournaments (W7, D8) and have successfully progressed from the group phase at each of the last three World Cups.

Bosnia and Herzegovina also opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw, sharing the spoils with co-hosts Canada. While they too surrendered a lead, the circumstances were less painful, and Sergej Barbarez’s side appeared content with the point earned against a strong host nation.

That result extended Bosnia’s unbeaten run to nine matches in all competitions (W4, D5), although an unusual trend has emerged, with each of their last six fixtures ending level after 90 minutes. No European nation has ever recorded seven consecutive draws in normal time, making this a potentially historic occasion.

A victory here would significantly strengthen Bosnia’s hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time as an independent nation. Their only previous appearance came in 2014, when they exited at the group stage.

Head-to-Head

This will be the first competitive meeting between the two nations. Their only previous encounter came in a friendly match in Zurich in March 2016, with Bosnia and Herzegovina securing a 2-0 victory.

Key Players

Swiss captain Granit Xhaka could play an influential role in midfield, although discipline may be a factor. Thirteen of his last 15 international yellow cards have been shown after the interval.

For Bosnia, striker Ermedin Demirović remains a key attacking threat. Three of his four international goals have arrived before half-time, highlighting his ability to make an early impact.

Team News

Switzerland appear to have a fully fit squad available, with no major injury concerns reported.

Bosnia and Herzegovina face a late fitness test on experienced defender Sead Kolašinac after he was forced off against Canada. Meanwhile, Haris Tabaković is back in contention after recovering from the injury that ruled him out of the opening fixture.

Betting Analysis

Picking a winner is far from straightforward given how evenly matched these sides appear. Switzerland arguably possess the greater quality on paper, but Bosnia’s impressive unbeaten run suggests they will be difficult opponents.

One market that stands out is Both Teams to Score. Six of Switzerland’s last seven matches have seen both sides find the net, while both teams scored in each nation’s opening World Cup fixture.

Recommended Bet: Both Teams to Score

Score Prediction: Switzerland 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina