Switzerland faces Spain in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday. The Swiss lost 2-0 to Denmark on Thursday, while the European champions were held to a 0-0 draw against Serbia. Three of the last six encounters between these teams have ended in draws, with Spain winning just twice.
Switzerland Form
Switzerland has lost just twice in their last 18 matches. They started Euro 2024 by outplaying Hungary in a 3-1 win (15-6 in shots) before drawing 1-1 against Scotland. A late goal conceded saw them draw 1-1 against Germany in their final group match, costing them the top spot.
In the round of 16, Switzerland beat Italy 2-0 after dominating the first half (10-1 in shots). They were then beaten on penalties in the quarter-finals after a 1-1 draw with England, having led 1-0. On Thursday night, they were outclassed in a 2-0 loss to Denmark, with a player sent off in the 52nd minute and being outshot 17-5.
Switzerland Team News
Coach Murat Yakin has seen veteran goalkeeper Yann Sommer retire from international football, with Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel taking over. Fabian Schär and Xherdan Shaqiri have also retired from the national team.
Speedy forward Dan Ndoye is out injured, and Noah Okafor has been left out. Former Brighton forward Andi Zeqiri has also been omitted. Kwadwo Duah and Filip Ugrinic are among the forwards called up as fresh faces for the national team.
Switzerland Motivation
Switzerland can adapt their game, playing a possession style or sitting deep and using counter-attacks. Against Spain, they are expected to play defensively, looking to exploit the pace of Breel Embolo and Ruben Vargas on the break.
Spain Form
Spain is enjoying a golden period. They won the Nations League in June last year and topped their Euros qualifying group after winning their final six matches. They opened Euro 2024 with a 3-0 win over Croatia, followed by two 1-0 victories over Italy and Albania to top their group. In the last 16, they dominated Georgia 4-1.
In the quarter-finals, Spain scored a late goal to win 2-1 in extra time against Germany, followed by another 2-1 win over France. They then secured the European Championship title with an 86th-minute goal to beat England 2-1. Their opening Nations League match saw them held to a 0-0 draw against Serbia, despite 74% possession and 21 shots.
Spain Team News
Spain has made a few changes since the Euros, with Jesús Navas and Nacho left out. Mikel Merino is injured after his move to Arsenal, while Fermin Lopez is also sidelined.
Up front, Álvaro Morata is absent due to injury, and Mikel Oyarzabal has joined him on the treatment table. The options to start in attack include Ayoze Pérez, Joselu, or Ferran Torres.
Spain Motivation
Spain has lost just once in 20 matches and will aim to maintain their momentum.
After the draw against Serbia, only a win will suffice in this match. Expect Spain to dominate possession throughout.
Key Stats
Switzerland has drawn 3 of their last 6 matches against Spain.
Switzerland has lost just 2 of their last 18 matches (with 10 draws in the last 17).
Spain has lost just once in their last 20 matches.
Spain has won just 2 of their last 7 matches against Switzerland.
Verdict
A tight affair is expected. A narrow Spain wins, or a draw seems likely, especially with La Roja missing two key strikers due to injury.
Best Bet: Spain win/draw double chance + Under 2.5 goals at 2.00
Correct Score Tip: Switzerland 0-0 Spain at 9.75
Value Alternative Bet: Spain to win by exactly 1 goal at 3.20
