CRISTIANO RONALDO was making headlines for all the wrong reasons heading into this World Cup but the storm surrounding his club future doesn't seem to have affected Portugal as they prepare to kick off the knockout stages at Qatar 2022 against Switzerland.
Moaning about Manchester United in a TV interview with one of the few men capable of matching his monstrous ego was hardly the ideal way to prepare for what could be Ronaldo's international swansong.
The fallout from that childish rant saw Ronaldo sever his ties with United just before the group stage kicked off but there was no hangover on the pitch as he scored the opener in a thrilling 3-2 win over Ghana.
Ronaldo then tried to pinch a goal from United's Bruno Fernandes in the 2-0 victory over Uruguay, with our man Mark one of many punters left frustrated when FIFA eventually decided he hadn't got the final touch.
Portugal surprisingly lost their final game 2-1 to South Korea but it wasn't enough to stop them topping the group and lining up a clash with the Swiss.
Switzerland headed into their final game knowing a defeat to Serbia would have knocked them out but came out 3-2 victors as all of my recommended bets landed in a thriller.
Having showcased their defensive solidity in the first two matches against Cameroon and Brazil, Murat Yakin's side proved they also have plenty of firepower by cutting open Serbia at key moments in that game.
So they are dangerous opponents for any team in the knockout stage and Ronaldo could be phoning up Piers in tears if Portugal aren't on the top of their game in this one.
How the bookies view it
Highbet make Portugal hot favourites to qualify at 19/50 while the odds increase to 43/50 for a win inside 90 minutes. Switzerland are 7/4 woth the same firm to reach the quarter-final and 13/4 to do it without extra time or penalties. The draw at 90 minutes pays 9/4 with the same firm.
Head to head
These sides faced off just a few months ago in the Nations League and it was honours even, with Switzerland winning 1-0 at home after crashing to a 4-0 defeat in Portugal.
The overall head-to-head is pretty close as well, with Portugal winning six times, the Swiss coming out on top four times and the other three matches ending in draws.
Players to watch
I was surprised to see Ronaldo start Portugal's final group game, although he was given a breather for the last half-hour, and fitness might be an issue for the veteran in such a packed schedule. This one could go the full 120 minutes so I'm backing Joao Felix for a Portuguese goal instead as he was given the night off against South Korea. The Atletico Madrid striker is 57/20 at Highbet for a goal which looks quite generous.
Breel Embolo has been the most impressive Swiss player by far and gives his side a real cutting edge up front. The Monaco striker is 18/5 at Highbet for anytime scorer and McBookie price him at 11/2 for an assist.
Anything else catch the eye?
Both coaches are pretty pragmatic so this could be a cagey game with so much at stake. The half-time draw is worth a punt at 53/50 with Highbet but under 2.5 goals looks too short at just 31/50 with the same firm.
Backing Granit Xhaka for a card paid off for me against Serbia but that match always had special significance for both the Arsenal star and Xherdan Shaqiri given they come from ethnic Albanian backgrounds with roots in Kosovo. He will be less fired up for this one but the tackles will be flying in midfield once more and Xhaka is 5/4 at Unibet to commit over 1.5 fouls.
Bruno Fernandes will also be part of that battle in the engine room and he's 6/5 with the same firm to be fouled over 1.5 times. The Old Trafford star can be a bit nippy so might also be worth backing for a card at 12/5 with Bet365.
This World Cup match between Portugal and Switzerland will be played on Dec 6, 2022 and kick off at 19:00. Check below for our tipsters best Portugal vs Switzerland prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
