Switzerland – Spain

Spain should break their losing streak in Switzerland

On Thursday 9 June, Switzerland play at home against Spain. Both teams are group failures. Switzerland have suffered two defeats at the start of the tournament. Spain are still without a win. Luis Enrique's side have drawn considerable criticism for their lack of results. In the past, the Spaniards have been scolded for their dull football, without much goal-scoring potential. However, there was much to be forgiven for results. A solid defence allowed them to win. The situation has now changed dramatically. Spain failed to hold on to their lead against Portugal in the first round. They almost lost against the Czech Republic. Importantly, the Czechs played without several key players. The squad was close to the reserves. Spain regained control of the ball, but had problems in defence. In the second goal Czech forward Jan Kuhafta ran into the middle of the pitch, one-on-one. There is a lot of pressure on the coaching staff ahead of the third round. A lack of victory will make Luis Enrique's prospects ahead of the World Cup doubtful. "The Red Fury must come out with a special attitude for the match in Switzerland. Murat Yakin's side have all the symptoms of a crisis. The Swiss managed to lose in the Czech Republic, and then took the risk of playing open football in Portugal. It ended in failure. Cristiano Ronaldo netted the brace with four goals against Switzerland. One of the biggest defeats for a strong team in the 21st century. And yet, Switzerland play their core line-up. Only midfielder Zakaria is missing, but that is no excuse. In World Cup qualifying, the Swiss team won on the strength of their defence. Italy, on the other hand, were able to stop them in the second half. Now the team decided to switch to a more attacking option. It ended in a total failure. Switzerland are still unable to play at number one. Against Spain will be a predictable scenario. The visitors should have total superiority in ball possession. The team is much higher in class and yet on a slight morale boost after the goal in the end against the Czech Republic. Switzerland don't even have anything to hang on to yet. It's hard to imagine that the Spaniards won't win their third match in a row. There has to be a special spirit and a relatively quick goal on their part. Given Spain's style of play, it would be logical to opt for a shootout, but the situation is complicated by the visitors' desire to play to win. Plus, both teams are unconvincing in defence.