Kolarov here to win

Aleksandar Kolarov insists Serbia have no plans to take their foot off the pedal as they look to qualify for the last 16 of the World Cup with victory over Switzerland.

A 1-0 win over Costa Rica and Brazil's surprise 1-1 draw with Switzerland has left Serbia on the cusp of advancing from Group E in Russia. Serbia have not progressed to the knockout rounds of the World Cup since their independence, failing to get beyond the group stage in both 2006 and 2010.

Kolarov, whose stunning free-kick saw off Costa Rica, stressed Serbia will maintain their intensity when the Balkan nation face Switzerland in Kaliningrad on Friday.

"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."

Switzerland will be full of confidence after holding World Cup heavyweights Brazil to a draw in Rostov-on-Don. They frustrated Brazil – with their physical approach leading to Neymar being fouled on 10 occasions – and managed to escape with a precious point thanks to Steven Zuber's controversial header.

And Serbia head coach Mladen Krstajic is braced for a difficult encounter, telling Swiss newspaper Blick: "They are very strong! Compact and with a lot of experience. 

"Switzerland have participated in the last three World Cups and European Championship - 27 points in the qualification is remarkable! Their coach is very good, too."

The coach Krstajic is referring to is Vladimir Petkovic, who is hopeful star Valon Behrami is fit to play amid concerns over a thigh problem.

"We need him in the next couple of matches," Petkovic said.

Fatigue could be an issue for Switzerland as they spend six hours travelling from Samara to Kaliningrad for the matchday clash.

"It's exhausting," said defender Fabian Schar. "But we were well prepared and could recover in the team hotel."