Serbia won't ease off against Switzerland at World Cup
Posted June 20, 2018 7:00 am
KALININGRAD, Russia (AP) - Aleksandar Kolarov knows that after victory in its opening World Cup match his Serbia lineup cannot ease off the intensity against Switzerland.
Two draws in its remaining matches could be enough to secure a spot in the round of 16 but with Brazil waiting in its last Group E game, beating the Swiss would take the pressure off Mladen Krstajic's team.
"If we do the math and start playing for a draw then it will not be successful," Kolarov said. "Of course we want to win."
The Serbia captain's precisely placed free kick in the 56th minute was the only goal in Serbia's victory over Costa Rica. Krstajic wants his forwards to step up another level against Switzerland on Friday.
Brazil's Neymar, left, and Switzerland's Valon Behrami challenge for the ball during the group E match between Brazil and Switzerland at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Rostov Arena in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, Sunday, June 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
The Associated Press
Switzerland's Valon Behrami reacts as Brazil's Neymar lies on the ground during the group E match between Brazil and Switzerland at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Rostov Arena in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, Sunday, June 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
The Associated Press
Serbia's Aleksandar Mitrovic reacts after missing to score during the group E match between Costa Rica and Serbia at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Samara Arena in Samara, Russia, Sunday, June 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
The Associated Press
Serbia's Aleksandar Mitrovic reacts during the group E match between Costa Rica and Serbia at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Samara Arena in Samara, Russia, Sunday, June 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
The Associated Press
Serbia's Aleksandar Kolarov celebrates at the end of the group E match between Costa Rica and Serbia at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Samara Arena in Samara, Russia, Sunday, June 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
The Associated Press
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