Places are slowly being taken in the knockout stages at the World Cup in Russia, and on Wednesday it's the turn of the countries competing in Group E and F. Brazil take on Serbia, with the winner of that game going through to the knockouts and the loser heading home. In the other game, Switzerland need a win to be absolutely sure of qualification against the already eliminated Costa Rica. In Group F, Germany take on South Korea with Mexico challenging Sweden. All four countries can still get through to the knockout stages.
On the World Cup mode of FIFA Ultimate Team, Man of the Match ratings boosts are being issued during the tournament. This is voted for by the public on the EA Sports FIFA website, with the updated cards available in packs on FIFA World Cup Ultimate Team. RealSport looks at who could be in the running on Wednesday’s action.
Paulinho (OVR 87 – 88)
If it hadn’t been for two injury time goals, Brazil would be coming into this final group game against Serbia under serious pressure. Although they were far from their best, they picked up the three points, but they need a much stronger performance against a dangerous Serbia team, especially with a potential clash with Germany waiting in the Round of 16.
The tempo will be dictated from the midfield, and it could be a game for Paulinho to leave his mark on. The Barcelona man has a useful 12 goals for his country, and with serious competition for place in the Brazil squad, he may need to pop up with a goal or link-up with the stars of Neymar (OVR 93), Philippe Coutinho (OVR 89) and Gabriel Jesus (OVR 85) to get the win and secure a last 16 place.
Keep an eye on: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (OVR 83)
Haris Seferovic (OVR 76 – 79)
A point is likely to be enough for Switzerland to get through to the knockouts, but a healthy win could see them take top spot in Group E. The Swiss have relied on goals from Steven Zuber (OVR 76), Granit Xhaka (OVR 82) and Xherdan Shaqiri (OVR 84) so far, but it's about time that their striker Haris Seferovic got in on the act.
That late Shaqiri goal against Serbia gives them a great platform to go on and reach the last 16, but with Germany or Mexico possible opponents they will need to be more clinical in front of goal. Seferovic doesn’t have the best international record with 12 goals in 53 games, and with Josip Drmic (OVR 75) and Breel Embolo (OVR 76) other options, he will need a goal or two to secure his place.
Keep an eye on: Joel Campbell (OVR 76)
Timo Werner (OVR 85 – 86)
Germany have had a poor World Cup so far by their standards, and if they are not careful the defending champions could be out of the tournament at the group stages. A last-gasp Toni Kroos (OVR 91) winner against Sweden keeps fate in the German’s hands, and up against an already knocked out South Korea side, you’d expect them to rack up the goals.
Timo Werner impressed when he was moved out to the left side against Sweden, and whether he lines up there or remains at striker, you feel the RB Leipzig forward is due a goal. The South Korean defence is weak, and you would expect Germany to have a lot of joy even if they are short of form themselves.
Keep an eye on: Ki Sung-yueng (OVR 76)
Emil Forsberg (OVR 83 – 85)
Sweden have to beat the already qualified Mexico to progress to the knockout stages. Mexico may rotate their side as they only need a point to qualify, which could play into the hands of Sweden. The closest thing Sweden have to a star player is Emil Forsberg, and he hasn’t had the room to create in the opening two matches.
The RB Leipzig midfielder had a disappointing season in the Bundesliga by his standards, scoring five goals and adding four assists, and he will look to finish his season on a high by taking his side through to the World Cup knockout stages. Forwards Ola Toivonen (OVR 77) and Marcus Berg (OVR 81) returned to form against Germany, so Forsberg will hope they can open up space to work.
Keep an eye on: Carlos Vela (OVR 81)
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