Exciting times to be Swiss
The Nations League is back and first up is Portugal vs Switzerland. Can the Swiss, under the guidance of Vladimir Petkovic, pull off a shock and grab a win? It might be not as unlikely as you think…
The Swiss showing signs of life
Switzerland are better known for their watch making and cheese with holes in it than they are for playing a high brand of attacking football but under Vladimir Petkovic the land locked nation is starting to become a side that can attack with the best of them.
The 1-0 defeat against Qatar aside, Switzerland have been putting together some impressive results and even more impressive performances. In their last Nations League game they put on a superb display against World Cup semi-finalists Belgium beating their star-studded opponents 5-2.
If anyone argued that the result flattered the Swiss they only need look at the stats to realise that simply was not the case with Petkovic’s men out shooting, out passing and outfoxing the European big hitters.
What was so pleasing about the win was not only did the Swiss come from two goals down but they did it with an attacking style which even surprised many of their own fans.
They attacked with pace, width and showed a cutting edge that has been sorely lacking. Haris Seferovic netted a hat-trick thanks to some excellent wide play from both the full-backs Ricardo Rodriguez and Kevin Mbabu as well as Fiorentina winger Edimilson Fernandes.
The other player that stood out was, of course, Xherdan Shaqiri, who has never looked fitter or a more complete player.
This is only one game and they are still vulnerable at the back but it makes a massive change from the usual humdrum that the Swiss faithful have become used to.
Youth given a chance
The age of the Swiss side is worth noting with Yann Sommer the only player over 30 to play regularly. Players like the defensive duo of Nico Elvedi and Manuel Akanji should be mainstays over the coming years and they are just two of many.
Portugal over-priced
There is no doubting the individual quality within the Portuguese squad but, frankly, the odds on them winning are far too skinny and therefore have little value.
The results over the last few months are hardly inspiring with draws against Poland, Ukraine and Serbia with goals also hard to come by. Pricing them at around 4/6 to win the game, therefore, doesn’t quite make sense.
Portugal vs Switzerland betting tip
Given the improvements being made by the Swiss team over the last few months and the introduction of some highly talented young players, it is not inconceivable to see them get a win against an inconsistent Portugal outfit.
The value here is with the Swiss so backing Vladimir Petkovic’s side to win at odds of 9/2 makes a lot of sense and could have a few bookmakers licking their wounds.
