Qatar World Cup 2022 Portugal vs Switzerland – prediction, team news, lineups
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Group H-winning Portugal meets Switzerland in the final Round of 16 game of the Qatar World Cup.
Group G runners-up Switzerland at Lusail Stadium on Tuesday at 19:00.
Portugal had a really successful start to their World Cup campaign, needing just a point in the final round of group matches to be certain of topping the group.
Portugal now looks to successfully negotiate the last 16 for the first time since 2006, when they finished fourth in Germany.
Portugal must get their team selection spot on for this game, with goal-scoring machine Cristiano Ronaldo expected to start.
Portugal’s World Cup campaign kicked off with a win against Ghana, and then a 2-0 win against Uruguay – Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes found the net twice.
Portugal’s last three World Cup campaigns have ended in the first knockout round.
Switzerland last met Portugal in the UEFA Nations League earlier this year. There were two very different outcomes in the space of a few days: Portugal were comprehensive 4-0 winners in Lisbon – with Ronaldo bagging a first-half brace – before Switzerland then turned the tables with a 1-0 victory in Geneva.
Following the Nations League win, the Swiss went on to beat both Spain and the Czech Republic in the same competition – before kicking off their quest for World Cup glory, winning two of their three games in Qatar.
It took a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Serbia to seal their progression to the last 16.
Goals from Breel Embolo, Remo Freuler and opening scorer Xherdan Shaqiri – who celebrated by shushing the Serbian fans who jeered his every touch – saw them through, as Granit Xhaka narrowly escaped receiving a red card at the end of a tempestuous encounter.
The Swiss have never before won three matches at a single World Cup finals and have failed to reach the quarter-finals in their past seven attempts.
Not since they hosted the World Cup in 1954 have Switzerland reached the last eight, but having seen off neighbours and reigning World Cup champs France to make the Euros last year, they will fancy their chances in tonight’s match.
Portugal team news
Portugal’s boss made six changes for the XI last time out but that was with progress from the group stages guaranteed, and the conservative coach is likely to revert to a more experienced lineup.
Antonio Silva, 19, made his competitive debut against South Korea alongside Pepe – a man 20 years his senior.
But Silva may have to make way for Ruben Dias – who returns to the back four; Diago Dalot could start this match as well.
Ronaldo was one of three players replaced after 65 minutes on Friday, the captain is expected to start up front again with Andre Silva and Goncalo Ramos expected to be benched.
Nuno Mendes has been ruled out of the competition due to injury, and Danilo remains sidelined after fracturing his ribs; Otavio remains a doubt too.
Switzerland team news
The Swiss will be hoping goalkeeper Yann Sommer can return to the starting XI after missing their final group match following an illness. The keeper has 30 clean sheets and has made incredible saves across his 76 caps for the team. Sommer would replace Gregor Kobel if he is available.
It’s expected that the Swiss side will not feature any other changes (except for the return of the number one keeper). Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler will be back in midfield in front of a strong and well-drilled defence.
Ruben Vargas and Xherdan Shaqiri provide support from out wide, though both Christian Fassnacht and Renato Steffen offer alternatives on either flank.
Starting XI, kickoff & where to watch
Portugal possible starting lineup:
Costa; Dalot, Pepe, Dias, Cancelo; B. Silva, Neves, Carvalho; Fernandes; Felix, Ronaldo
Switzerland possible starting lineup:
Sommer; Widmer, Akanji, Schar, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka; Shaqiri, Sow, Vargas; Embolo
Start time: 7pm GMT
TV: ITV 1
Live stream: ITV X
Predictions
Given such an abundance of attacking talent, Portugal rarely have a problem with scoring – but protecting a lead is often another matter.
The persistent negativity of Fernando Santos often sees the Selecao retreat, which would allow a capable Swiss side to come into their own and force extra time. Nonetheless, the big-game nous of Pepe, Ronaldo and co should just see them over the line. – Portugal 2-1 Switzerland (SportsMole)
The occasion may prove to be too much for Portugal, who don’t have the best World Cup track record. It’ll be a tough game but the Swiss could just nick it in the last few minutes. – Portugal 1-2 Switzerland – (WTX Sports)
