A lively, colourful atmosphere has already built inside the stadium. Bosnia supporters have been letting off blue flares while Switzerland fans march in unison dressed in red. Bosnia's players were walking the pitch earlier as the Swiss side arrived on their team bus. There are significantly more Bosnian fans than Swiss fans at the stadium, including a family originally from Bosnia now living in Sacramento whose national team are playing in their home state.
Switzerland team news
Murat Yakin has made two changes following the Qatar draw. Right-back Silvan Widmer comes in for natural midfielder Denis Zakaria in defence, while attacking midfielder Fabian Rieder replaces wide man Ruben Vargas. Both look like conservative switches. Widmer, 33 is a more prosaic player with less passing range than Zakaria but stronger on defensive basics. Vargas impressed with energy and direct dribbling against Qatar without much end product, while Rieder offers more solidity and physicality. Yakin evidently feels that skillset suits a committed and abrasive Bosnian side.
Switzerland XI: Kobel; Widmer, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Aebischer, Freuler, Xhaka, Rieder; Ndoye, Embolo.
Bosnia team news
Sergej Barbarez has rung three changes to the side that drew against Canada. Edin Dzeko, 40, starts up front in place of Jovo Lukic, leaning on nearly two decades of playing experience. Dzeko is Bosnia's record cap holder with 148 appearances and their record goalscorer with 73. One-time Croatia international Ivan Sunjic, a frequent yellow-card recipient, replaces Ivan Basic in midfield. Eighteen-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic starts out wide with Esmir Bajraktarevic dropping out. Under Barbarez, Bosnia and Herzegovina often revert to a 4-4-2 shape designed to stay compact.
Bosnia XI: Vasilj; Muharemovic, Kolasinac, Dedic, Katic; Tahirovic, Sunjic, Memic; Demirovic, Dzeko, Alajbegovic.
Kolasinac and the Canada fallout
Sead Kolasinac had an eventful opening match against Canada. He registered an assist, produced a breathtaking last-gasp clearance, and carried some culpability in the Canadian equaliser. There were moments when time seemed to slow as Canada's Richie Laryea wrapped his right foot around the ball with the goal at his mercy. Kolasinac sprinted for all he was worth, hooking the ball onto the crossbar and out for a teammate to complete the clearance. His visceral roar of celebration was justified, though he likely needed a good rest afterward.
Both sides arrive level on one point apiece after opening draws. A win today would lift either nation into a stronger position inside a finely poised Group B at the World Cup.
