World Cup – Round of 32
•Spain Vs Austria – 10pm
•Portugal Vs Croatia – 2am
•Algeria Vs Switzerland – 6am
Watch all the knockout matches of the FIFA World Cup on DStv, with unmatched coverage across four dedicated channels, 24/7 broadcasting, and multiple languages.
Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic has downplayed suggestions that his extensive knowledge of Switzerland will give his side an edge when the teams meet in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 on Friday Morning.
Petkovic, who managed Switzerland between 2014 and 2021 after a lengthy coaching career in the country, said modern football leaves little room for surprises.
“Football has become universal. Everyone knows each other and there are no real secrets anymore,” Petković said. “I know the players, and they know me. It will be nice to see them again, but once the match starts, that won’t matter. We expect a very difficult game and we’ll have to give everything to win.”
Algeria reached the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams after losing 3-0 to Argentina, defeating Jordan and drawing 3-3 with Austria.
Despite the achievement, Petković admitted his side must improve defensively after conceding seven goals in three group matches.
“We’ve let in too many goals, although the quality of our opponents has also played a part,” he said. “The positive is that we’ve scored five goals and reached the knockout stage. Only the second generation of Algerian players has achieved that at a World Cup.”
The gaffer urged his players to continue improving as they prepare for a stern test against Switzerland.
“We’ve progressed with every game, but we need to be at our very best against an excellent Switzerland team, whether the match lasts 90 minutes or longer,” he added.
Petković, who holds Swiss citizenship and whose family still lives in Switzerland, also dismissed the idea that Thursday’s encounter is a personal duel with Swiss coach Murat Yakin.
“This isn’t Petković against Yakin,” he said. “It’s Algeria against Switzerland.”
Post a comment