Qatar are stepping into their second World Cup in a row after hosting the last one where the home fans could not even inspire a single draw as all three games ended in losses. This time around the Gulf side have brought in Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui hoping for better results but their recent run of four defeats and two draws in six games shows the team is still struggling to find rhythm ahead of the big tournament in Nigeria wey people dey talk about every day.
Team Form
Switzerland on the other hand come with plenty of experience from playing at the highest level and they cruised through World Cup qualifying without much stress. Their squad looks settled and the coach Murat Yakin has had time to build understanding among the players over the past few years yet their warm up games have only produced one win against Jordan by four goals to one leaving many wondering if the Europeans will hit top gear from the first whistle.
- Qatar have lost every game at the previous World Cup and their attack has looked blunt in recent friendlies
- Switzerland managed just two wins across seven matches including those warm up fixtures
- The only previous meeting ended one nil to Qatar but that friendly result carries little weight now
Tactical Analysis
On the pitch expect Switzerland to control the midfield with their experienced players while Qatar will rely on solid defending and quick counters under Lopetegui. The key will be whether the Swiss attackers can break down a compact Qatari back line that has shown defensive discipline even if their forward play has been below par lately. Fans in Nigeria go like matches where one side dominates possession but goals remain hard to come by especially when both teams approach the game with caution and respect for each other.
Betting Proposal
With both sides showing limited scoring form in their preparations this looks like a low scoring affair where the total goals could stay under two and a half. My types point to a tight contest that will not produce plenty of goals so the value lies in backing the under line at odds around two point two five.
In conclusion the match promises plenty of tactical battles and defensive organisation rather than end to end excitement which suits the under two point five market perfectly for punters looking for steady returns.
