250% up to ₹10,000 + ₹150 Free Bet
CLAIM NOW6
1
Portugal and Ronaldo must overcome dependable Switzerland to reach Quarters
Portugal to win 2-1
Tournament: FIFA World Cup 2022 | Venue: Lusail, Lusail Iconic Stadium
Bet NowWhen the crunch time comes around at the big tournaments, we’ve always relied on Cristiano Ronaldo to deliver goals, whether that’s for club or country.
There’s been a noticeable shift in this tournament, however, where Ronaldo’s dominance has been lessened and Portugal now rely on others to win matches. He remains a legendary figure, of course.
Now, they have the chance to reach the Quarter Finals for the first time since 2006, when they finished in 4th overall. They’ll feel confident about going deeper into this World Cup with the players at their disposal.
Switzerland have, like in every tournament they play, have appeared solid if unspectacular. They play in an organised shape, work hard and rely on the pace and power of Breel Embolo upfront.
They will have an uphill battle to qualify here, although managed to frustrate Brazil for large periods in their group game recently.
FIFA Ranking: 9
Predicted Finish: Quarter Finals
Reasons to be cheerful:
Have matchwinners wherever you look
Beat Switzerland 4-0 earlier this year
Reasons to be fearful:
Haven’t been past this stage for 16 years
Defence is arguably their weakest area
With Cristiano Ronaldo being a one-man record machine upfront and Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva ruling the roost in midfield, you feel that Portugal’s weak spot is in defence.
Sure, Ruben Dias is one of the best around and has shown that for Manchester City over the past few seasons. However, with Danilo out with fractured ribs, 39-year-old Pepe will play alongside Dias, which could prove costly.
Nuno Mendes will also miss the rest of the tournament due to injury, while Otavia remains a doubt in midfield.
There is plenty of experience in this team. Ronaldo is playing at a 5th World Cup, Pepe has had 20 years at a senior level while Fernandes and Silva have been key individuals at Manchester United and City respectively.
It’s just a question of whether they can perform on the biggest stage.
Star Man – Cristiano Ronaldo
Just the one goal at this tournament so far, but only needs a moment to come alive in a game. May be quiet for long periods, but will leap on anything in the box. Can be a matchwinner on any occasion.
FIFA Ranking: 15
Predicted Finish: Round of 16
Reasons to be cheerful
Showed scoring qualities by putting three past Serbia
Goalkeeper Sommer should be available after recent illness
Reasons to be fearful
Failed to reach Quarter Finals in last seven World Cups
Have won two games here – never before have they won three at a World Cup
Switzerland are facing down their own history as much as anything here.
Not since they hosted the World Cup in 1954 have they reached the Quarter Finals, with a total of seven appearances passing by since then without a return.
Much has been spoken about the current squad of players and how individually they might be among the best they’ve ever had. They’ll need to step up and prove that here, otherwise they’ll be going out with a whimper.
They will feel that in Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler they have a midfield that can keep Portugal’s in check, at least for the most part. Breel Embolo will hope he can test Pepe’s ageing legs at the back.
They have an experienced backline, but is it really capable of keeping out the hungry lion that is Ronaldo for 90+ minutes? They would need one heck of a performance.
Star Man – Breel Embolo
Portugal are not always the most positive side, so attacking them from the start is the way to go. Embolo’s pace can stretch Portugal’s backline and give Switzerland’s defence an option to play out from the back.
Midfield battle will be intense
Ronaldo will always back himself to score
Game could go all the way to penalties
Despite the big names mainly lining up for Portugal, there isn’t a great deal to separate these sides in terms of how they’ve played so far.
Portugal, of course, have Ronaldo which sometimes seems to count double in competition knockout matches. He is not quite the player he was, however.
Switzerland have dangerous players of their own, but whether they’re willing to throw caution to the wind and go straight for victory is another matter.
This one could go all the way to extra time and penalties. It’ll be tight, but you feel that Portugal’s big names must count for something.
Portugal to win 2-1
Parimatch
250% up to ₹10,000 + ₹150 Free Bet