Switzerland vs Belgium
The UEFA Nations League Group A2 reaches its climax at the Swissporarena in Lucerne on Sunday, where Belgium take on Switzerland in a winner-takes-all match.
The Red Devils are the best side in the world, according to FIFA, a position they have occupied frequently in recent years. But they still haven’t won anything. Surely, these world-class players will emerge from the shadows of tournament winners and shake off the mantle of nearly men pretty soon.
When you look at the riches Roberto Martinez has at his disposal in Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne, Dries Mertens, Romelu Lukaku…we could go on…it’s becoming high time that Belgium turned potential into silverware. Okay, it’s not the World Cup, but why not start with the Nations League? Win something, anything, and it can become a habit.
The Group A2 UEFA Nations League 2018 results so far mean Martinez’ men just need a point in Lucerne, and that is the least they should expect against a Switzerland side which is solid but not spectacular.
Talking points
Switzerland is no longer unbeatable
Vladimir Petkovic’s side has long had a reputation of being a tough nut to crack. Defeat to Sweden in the World Cup Round of 16 was only their second defeat in 26 games, a run which had taken them up to sixth in the world rankings. But losing has become more habitual since their return from Russia. The Swiss have already lost a game in this tournament, being their 2-1 loss to Roberto Martinez’ team, to add to defeats to England, Qatar and Sweden.
But you don’t become a pushover overnight, and Switzerland won’t make it easy for Belgium. The Red Devils’ Premier League contingent knows very well that Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka is toughness personified. And Petkovic has a real jewel in his ranks. Since his transfer from Stoke City to title contenders Liverpool, Xherdan Shaqiri has become a more complete player. The attacking midfielder scored in the Reds’ win over Fulham last weekend, becoming a favourite among Liverpool fans. And his dead-ball delivery makes set-piece situations a real threat.
Belgium must add steel to style
The UEFA Nations League 2018 odds are stacked in favour of the Red Devils reaching the last four of the tournament after a hard-fought 2-0 win over Iceland on Thursday. But Roberto Martinez’ men can learn something from the Swiss: how to tough it out and make the most of your talent.
Belgium had a very useful test against the stubborn Icelanders, and Michy Batshuayi had an outstanding game, scoring a second-half brace. Thomas Meunier played a brilliant ball to put a goal on a plate for Batshuayi, and he is becoming an ever-increasing influence in the Belgium side. The PSG wing-back scored the fastest Belgian goal in World Cup history at Russia 2018, and he’ll give the Swiss back line a severe test.
History
Belgium come into this clash in superb form, with three wins from three in the competition. They also won their last five games away from home.
In contrast, Switzerland has three of their last four but have kept eight clean sheets in the last 11 home games.
But the Red Devils have a strong record against the Swiss. In the four games played since 1988, they have won three and drawn one, so Switzerland need to break that mould to progress any further in the Nations League.
Betting tip
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Switzerland vs Belgium | Over 2.25 goals @1.80 |
| November 19, 3:45 (GMT+8) |
This looks like being a great game; and with SBOBET odds of Switzerland at 3.25 the draw at 3.20 and Belgium at 2.19, every result is possible.
Form is very much in the Red Devils’ favour, but home advantage counts for a lot, and a win on Swiss soil would reinforce Belgium’s reputation as the world’s best team. It is difficult to score against them for sure, but Petkovic’s side has shown it can score plenty, too, in a recent 6-0 destruction of Iceland.
Belgium have attacking flair in buckets, and both of them need a win: the Red Devils for reputation and the Swiss for progress. And that is why I expect an entertaining game. I just can’t see Belgium coming to shut up shop, and their aim will simply be to score more than their opponents.
Five of the six games involving Belgium and Switzerland in the Nations League have yielded over 2.50 goals, and I think we may well have another one here.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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