World Cup Now: Can Switzerland go on a Cinderella run?
The group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup came to a close Friday, as Switzerland defeated Serbia, 3-2, to advance to the Round of 16 for the third consecutive tournament.
Switzerland started off hot, opening the scoring in the 19th minute, but Serbia was quick to respond with two first-half goals to take the lead, 2-1. In the 44th minute, Breel Embolo found the back of the net to tie the game, 2-2. Then, early in the second half, Remo Freuler scored to give Switzerland the 3-2 victory.
On the latest "World Cup Now," former USMNT players Jimmy Conrad, DaMarcus Beasley and Sacha Kljestan shared which teams they think will go on a magical run and which teams are a lock to advance past the Round of 16.
Serbia vs. Switzerland Highlights | 2022 FIFA World Cup
Conrad: In my bracket, I've got the United States beating the Netherlands, Morocco beating Spain, Portugal ultimately getting into the semifinals and France beating England.
Beasley: I'm picking Morocco to make an unexpected run, and Argentina is a lock for me to advance out of the Round of 16. I also do have Switzerland over Portugal — that's my big upset.
Kljestan: If I had to pick a team to win as an underdog in the Round of 16, I'm picking Japan to beat Croatia, and — despite the loss — I think Brazil over South Korea is a lock.
Read more from the World Cup:
- World Cup 2022 highlights: Switzerland tops Serbia, 3-2, to advance
- World Cup 2022 highlights: Cameroon defeats Brazil, 1-0
- Christian Pulisic cleared to play Saturday vs. Netherlands
- World Cup 2022 highlights: South Korea tops Portugal, both advance
- World Cup 2022 highlights: Uruguay eliminated despite 2-0 win over Ghana
- World Cup Now: What plagued Uruguay in Group H?
- World Cup Group Scenarios: What does each team need to advance?
- USMNT team fans should believe — because this team certainly does
- Christian Pulisic once again shouldering the load for young U.S. team
- Free Gio Reyna? Why the U.S. is ‘looking for the right moment’ at World Cup
- Netherlands, fighting flu outbreak ahead of U.S. match, makes surprise pivot
- ‘More to come’: U.S. projecting confidence heading into Netherlands match
- Scouting USMNT's next World Cup foe: Are Dutch vulnerable?
- Why USMNT captain Tyler Adams is the ideal leader for Gregg Berhalter's team
- USMNT finding its identity as contender at just right time
- World Cup 2022 odds: Lines for remaining teams to win in Qatar
- Stu Holden's top 50 players at the World Cup
Check out the full schedule for the World Cup and how to watch each match live here.
