Switzerland vs Spain
Group A4 of the UEFA Nations League comes to Basel on Saturday night when Switzerland face Spain and both nations need the points for very different reasons.
Luis Enrique’s Spain know if they win their remaining two group matches, they will qualify for the tournament semifinals.
Meanwhile, this is a must-win for the Swiss if they are to have any chance of progressing in the competition.
Ultimately, how important it truly is for either nation is questionable, given the priority in an already congested campaign will come at the conclusion of 2020-21 in the form of the delayed European Championships.
For now though, what UEFA Nations League highlights await us this weekend?
Talking Points
Well, with much changed line-ups for a start.
Both sides warmed up for this with friendly matches in midweek, with the Swiss in Belgium, the Spanish in Holland, although some key players were rested presumably with this fixture in mind.
Switzerland were certainly solid and had their moments but could not find an equaliser as they went down 2-1 to the team ranked number one in the world, albeit a laboured Belgium, after taking an initial lead through Admir Mehmedi.
Sergio Canales scored his first senior international goal for Spain in a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands with Enrique making several interesting inclusions in his starting XI, including Unai Simon in goal, Hector Bellerin, and Inigo Martinez in defence, Koke in midfield, and Marco Asensio in attack.
A nasty clash of heads between Jose Gaya and Hans Bateboer forced Enrique into his first change midway through the half, with Sergio Reguilon replacing the dazed Gaya.
On paper, this should be a Spanish victory against Vladimir Petkovic’s Switzerland who are at the foot of Group A4 with two points and know defeat would spell relegation to League B.
In addition, they are without a victory in any competition since last November.
That run can’t continue forever of course, and it must be noted the Swiss are unbeaten in 17 competitive home fixtures (W14, D3).
Whatever the outcome, do forgive those who display a lack of enthusiasm for this competition.
For many football fans, including this SBOTOP writer, the excitement of the inaugural Nations League has currently been replaced by a dislike for international football at a time when an already congested season is having a negative impact and matches like this are not necessary.
Switzerland manager Vladimir Petkovic gestures during the UEFA Nations League match against Germany and Switzerland
History
Switzerland have only beaten Spain once but it was a mighty famous occasion.
A 1-0 success at the 2010 World Cup happened when Gelson Fernandes scored the goal in Durban to shock the European champions.
After that, Switzerland failed to qualify for the knockout stages while Spain went on to become world champions.
Since their first international meeting in 1925, there have been a further four draws but Spain have triumphed in the other 16 encounters.
A goal from Mikel Oyarzabal earned Spain a 1-0 success in the UEFA Nations League in September.
Their last ever meeting in Switzerland was in a friendly in 1988 when Andrinua put Spain ahead before Beat Sutter equalised for the Swiss in Geneva.
Spain still hold the advantage in Group A4, despite a surprise reverse in Ukraine last month.
That’s partly because the Swiss were able to hold Germany in a thrilling goalfest in the RheinEnergieStadion.
Betting Tip
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Switzerland vs Spain | 1X2 Spain @ 1.94 |
| November 15, 03:45(GMT+8) |
A quick look at the UEFA Nations League betting odds shows Spain are firm favourites to win in Switzerland.
They are priced 1X2 @ 1.99 and First Half 1X2 @ 2.66. The Swiss are on offer 1X2 @ 3.80 and First Half 1X2 @ 3.85. You can get odds on the draw @ 3.20.
La Roja will be looking to put themselves in a strong position in the section ahead of their final match at home to Germany on November 17.
I think Spain will edge it because they simply have to.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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