Switzerland vs Spain: Preview and Prediction

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Match Preview:

Switzerland were fantastic in causing one of the biggest upsets of the Euro’s as they knocked out World Champions France in the last 16 to earn this quarter final match against Spain.

The match v France will live on long in Swiss footballing history and it was the first time that the Swiss had beaten France in 29 years. Though Switzerland took the lead the intense French pressure told and France not only equalised but went 3-1 up and that was the score with just 9 minutes remaining. Then the comeback was on, 3-1 turned into 3-2 and then 3-3. Extra time was dominated by France again but Switzerland held on to penalties and won. It was an epic match.

Not many would have predicted that Switzerland would reach the quarter finals. The hero for them has been Haris Seferovic who scored 2 goals against France and was born in the same year when Switzerland last beat France. He is currently at Benfica where he has a goal ratio of 1 in every 2 games, and will be a danger in this encounter.

Despite Switzerland’s heroics Spain will be the favourites to advance to the semi-finals. The Spanish had a real battle on their hands against Croatia in the last 16 eventually winning a fantastic and entertaining tie 5-3. Spain were 3-1 up at one point with just minutes to go but Croatia came back to 3-3 to take the game into extra time. But in that period Spain found their footing and won the game. The Spanish had 5 different goalscorers but Manchester City’s Ferran Torres really stood out with an assist and goal. Spain have scored 11 goals so far and 10 in their last two games.

Team News: 

Switzerland: The big loss for the Swiss is Granit Xhaka who is suspended for this game. 

Spain: There are no major injury concerns for the Spanish who should line up pretty much the same for this encounter. Though Jordi Alba who was dropped in the last game could come back as many believe he was simply rested.

Switzerland vs Spain Head to Head:

The last time the teams met was only last year in the UEFA Nations League and that match ended 1-1.

In 22 games Spain have only lost once to Switzerland which happened in the group stages of the 2010 World Cup which the Spanish ended up winning.

The last 4 meetings have all been under 2.5 goals.

There has never been a 0-0 result between the nations.

This is the first time that the teams will meet in the European Championships.

Switzerland vs Spain Prediction:

Spain are the odds on favourites but still hold some value at around 1.66. Both sides were involved in gruelling high scoring matches that went to extra time and one has to wonder if it will affect this game?

For Switzerland if they show just 50% of their desire and passion that they showed against the French they will reach the semi-finals. The problem is was the French victory the pinnacle of this Swiss side and will they be a little spent for this game? The Swiss are in a very difficult top half draw, they have beaten France and will have to beat Spain to get the reward of a match between Belgium or Italy and we are still not talking about the final. It is a tough ask and also having Granit Xhaka out who was so inspirational will be a big loss for the nation.

Spain are not the same Spain that dominated world football a decade ago but they have some wonderful players. They are a team who can concede goals but at the same time you have to respect how many they are able to score, 10 in two games and scoring 5 against Croatia the 2018 World Cup finalists is not bad going.

Spain should have enough to win this game but they will have to be quick on the job. Another duel that goes into extra time will not bode well for the energy they will need if they were to reach the semi finals. There is a feeling that Spain will not have it their own way, but some moments of magic should make the difference in a team that are loading with great attacking players and goals.

Switzerland vs Spain Betting Tips:

Spain to beat Switzerland at 1.66

Anytime goalscorer: Ferran Torres at 2.75

Spain to score 2+ goals at 1.80