The reputation of the Swiss national team is known to many. Rossocrociati is a well-established outfit that plays above the sum of its parts, fielding many elite teams at major tournaments. Switzerland kicked France out of the Euro last summer.
The Swiss can’t beat themselves in this regard World Championship The match begins at 2:00 PM ET on FOX.
Switzerland and Portugal estimate
But we saw a different kind of Switzerland in Friday’s 3-2 win over Serbia. The Swiss were free-flowing, they were creative and they let their skills shine rather than will. Switzerland scored three goals and created 2.7 xG against Serbia and 4.4 xG in the three group stage games.
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While we should expect more defensive commitment from Switzerland, this win showed that the ceiling for this team is higher than we thought.
If their performance against Serbia showed us some positives, the Rossocrociati’s 1-0 loss to Brazil reminded us that this team is still struggling. Switzerland held the tournament favorite to just 1.0 xG and didn’t allow a goal until the 83rd minute.
A combination of defensive solidity and some crafty attacking flair make them a dangerous presence against a Portugal side that has looked vulnerable throughout the World Cup.
Portugal’s vulnerable defense makes it a distinct favorite against a Switzerland team that will shoot very well in these situations.
The match between Switzerland and Portugal
GAME: Switzerland +198 (FanDuel)