Match 1: Sweden – Switzerland

This report is focused on the analysis of the match between Sweden (FIFA ranking: 23) and Switzerland (FIFA ranking: 6). The team of J. Andersson qualified to the next round by winning two games (against South Korea and Mexico) and losing one (from Germany); by collecting in total 6 points. While the team of V. Petkovic, collected 5 points and proceed as undefeated to the second round.

Strengths vs Weaknesses

Sweden

Strengths	Weaknesses
Shots on Target	Yellow Cards
Ball Recoveries	Possession

Switzerland

Strengths	Weaknesses
Interception	Yellow Cards
Goal+	Aerial Duels Won

Team Statistical Profiles:

Sweden

1. In the European preliminaries, Sweden received in total 18 yellow cards, more than any other team. Its average yellow cards number was 1.5 cards per game. Moreover, in the first three games of the World Cup it received 6 yellow cards. Thus, it is expected to receive at least 1 yellow card.
2. Sweden, when it faces teams of a similar FIFA Ranking as Switzerland, usually loses the ball possession AND tries few shots on target (3-5 shots).
   

Switzerland

1. Based on Switzerland’s stats, it usually receives 1.5 yellow cards per game. So far, it has 7 yellow cards on the first three games of the World Cup. Thus, it is expected to receive at least 1 yellow card during the game.
2. Although, that Switzerland shots too many shots (average shots off target is 7.75 and average shots on target is 6.3) during a game, it is projected to score at least 1 goal AND to win the ball possession, reaching its average rate (almost 60%).
   

Prediction of the Game:

The following graph illustrates the estimated probabilities regarding the result of this game:

The projected indicators for the game:
The referee is expected to show at least 3 yellow cards during the game. Switzerland is expected to win the ball possession, while Sweden is predicted to try more shots on target than Switzerland, having in the end more chances to score at least 1 goal and win the game

Match 2: Colombia – England

This report is focused on the analysis of the match, between Colombia (FIFA ranking: 16) and England (FIFA ranking: 12). The team of J. Pekerman finished in the first place of Group H, with 6 points, by winning two games against Senegal and Poland and losing one game from Japan. While the team of G. Southgate, has also collected 6 points on Group stage and proceed to the second round, winning the second place of Group G.

Strengths vs Weaknesses

Colombia

Strengths	Weaknesses
Saves	Shots on Target
Goal +	Aerial Duels Won

England

Strengths	Weaknesses
Pass Success Rate	Interception
Aerial Duels Won	Shots off Target

Team Statistical Profiles:

Colombia

1. Based on the preliminaries and World Cup stats, Colombia is expected to try at least 3 shots on target AND to score at least 1 goal.
   
2. But on the other hand, when Colombia, faces teams like England (similar FIFA Ranking), it faces difficulties on keeping the clean sheet and simultaneously it tries less than 8 shots during the game. Moreover, it usually receives at least 2 yellow cards.
   
3. David Ospina, Colombia’s goalkeeper is among the best goalkeepers of the World Cup so far, keeping the clean sheet in two games and receiving only 2 goals, by having one of the highest rate on savesin the tournament.

England

1. When England faces teams of a similar FIFA Ranking as Colombia, it usually receives at least 1 yellow card and it plays really tough, having great numbers on interception and on tackles won.
2. Moreover, England based on its World Cup and preliminaries stats, is expected to have high pass success rate AND is epxected to win the ball possession. Moreover, England when faces teams of a similar FIFA Ranking as Colombia, is predicted to try at least 5 shots on target, having many chances to score at least 1 goal.

Prediction of the Game:

The following graph illustrates the estimated probabilities regarding the result of this game:

The projected indicators for the game:
The referee is predicted to show at least 3 yellow cards during the game. Moreover, it is predicted that England is going to win the ball possession and try more shots on target than Colombia.