Switzerland – Spain

Switzerland could repeat Serbia’s success against Spain

On Sunday, 8 September, in the central match of the day, the Spanish national team will play away against Switzerland. "Red Fury" in the first round failed to defeat Serbia on the road, and Murat Yakin's wards lost away to Denmark. Thus, in the second match the teams are already desirable to play for a win. Spain played a quality match in Serbia. Luis de la Fuente's wards objectively deserved to win, as evidenced by the statistics of the match: 22 shots, 6 shots on goal, 9 corners, 1.49 xG. Spain were better with a margin, but lacked luck, plus the Serbian goalkeeper played a quality match. The coach used a squad close to what he had at the Euros. The probability of rotation increases in the second meeting. It is unlikely that the coach will torture the key performers on the distance of three days. It is necessary to check the nearest reserve. Someone from the bench will definitely get a chance. We can expect Williams and Yamal to stay in the reserves this time. Switzerland suffered in Denmark. The defeat is deserved, but the key moment was the suspension in the 52nd minute. Elvedi received a red card, and in the very end Džaka left the field. That means Switzerland finished the match with nine men. This helped the hosts to score the second goal. Džaka's disqualification is a strong blow to Switzerland. This is a systemically important player for Murat Yakin's ideas. The coach hardly had plans to change the squad much. Now they need to find a replacement for Džaki and rebuild the ball distribution against a dangerous opponent. Interestingly, the teams exchanged victories in the last Nations League. Switzerland is a historically tough opponent for the Red Fury. For example, they even inflicted a defeat on the Spaniards at the victorious 2010 World Cup. In seven matches in fourteen years, the Spaniards have won twice - with a score of 1-0. Meetings of the national teams - a guarantee of a total of less than 3.5. More than three goals have never been scored. The odds for Switzerland at home are offered more than 5.00. This seems too high a quote. The Swiss were one of the strongest teams at the last Euro. The loss of the squad is a serious blow, but the team is holding on thanks to team play. The home stands will also help - the first match after the Euros on home soil. Spain has difficulties with motivation. Against the background of rotation, there may be problems with the organisation of attacks. Switzerland is not afraid of European giants, playing with all of them on equal terms. We can remember the match at the European Championship with Germany, where Murat Yakin's wards could take three points. We are looking at a relatively equal encounter.