Switzerland face Algeria as Petkovic returns to haunt

Switzerland face Algeria Friday with Colombia or Ghana waiting

Your knockout campaign starts Friday, July 3. Switzerland vs Algeria in the World Cup Round of 32 (1) (2). Win, and it is Colombia or Ghana in the last 16 (1). The group stage is done, seven points, top of the group, and now it is single-elimination. No second chances. Murat Yakin has your team ready, with Vargas in form and the squad relaxed. Algeria bring Mahrez and a point to prove, with former Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic now in their dugout (1) (2). That subplot writes itself.

Petkovic on the other bench

Vladimir Petkovic managed Switzerland for seven years. Now he leads Algeria against you (1) (2). He knows Xhaka, Akanji, Kobel, Elvedi, and the system Yakin runs. That is a tactical problem Algeria will try to exploit. But it also means this is personal for your players, and for him.