Switzerland boss Vladimir Petkovic insists reaching the last 16 of the World Cup was the “minimum objective” as they prepare to face Sweden next week.
An eventful 2-2 draw against Costa Rica in Nizhny Novgorod secured Switzerland’s place as runners-up to Brazil in Group E and paved the way for an all-European clash for a spot in the quarter-finals.
Blerim Dzemaili opened the scoring for Switzerland after they had been largely on the back-foot with Kendall Watson marking his introduction into the Costa Rica side by levelling with a second-half header.
Josip Drmic came off the bench to seemingly win it for the Swiss late on, only for a late Costa Rica equaliser coming courtesy of a Yann Sommer own goal as Bryan Ruiz’s penalty went in off the Switzerland goalkeeper.
The late leveller did not impact on Switzerland’s place in the group and now Petkovic is targeting a long run in the knockout stages.
“The round of 16 was the minimum objective that we set ourselves that we had to achieve,” he said in his post-match press conference.
“Now we can focus on our next opponent. It was a moment when I wanted to field my best players and make sure all of them play.”
Switzerland will have to make do without captain Stephan Lichtsteiner and fellow defender Fabian Schaer after the pair were shown their second yellow cards of the tournament against Costa Rica.
That means the duo will be suspended for the meeting with Sweden in St Petersburg on Tuesday but Petkovic is certain he has the strength in depth to succeed.
“We got two yellow cards but we have 23 players in our squad and I’m happy to have the trust in the remaining players,” he added.
“I’m sure all of the players we field in the future will give 120 per cent and I think the team can cope. It’s too bad for those two guys but it’s too late to lament that now.”
