The most recent World Cup hosts, Qatar, return to the biggest stage in their first group stage match against Group B favourites Switzerland. As things stand, even winning a single point this year would be an improvement on Qatar’s performance at home four years ago.
Although they exceeded all expectations with their organization of the previous World Cup, Qatar broke every negative record and remain the worst-performing host nation, having lost all three of their matches and been mathematically eliminated as early as Matchday 2.
Unfortunately, there are indications that a similar fate may await them in their second appearance, given the poor form they are currently in. Qatar have won only one of their last 10 matches, but that one victory was crucial because it secured their ticket to the finals.
Switzerland have high ambitions, having reached the Round of 16 in each of their last three appearances. Their last quarterfinal appearance was way back in 1954, so that is their minimum goal this year.
They likely don’t have fond memories of their elimination four years ago, when they lost 6-1 to Portugal, but they will certainly feel positive with just two losses in their last 15 matches.
Switzerland are currently 19th in the FIFA world rankings, while Qatar are 56th. The difference in quality certainly plays a role, given that the Red Crosses haven’t lost to a team ranked lower than Qatar since the end of 2022.
How the bookies view it: The Red Crosses to make the first step to the next stage
We’re sure to see plenty of surprises over the next few weeks, but the bookmakers don’t think Qatar are capable of pulling one off. Currently, you can bet on them at 11/1, a draw at 11/2, or Switzerland at 1/5.
Recent head-to-head: Qatar stunned Switzerland 8 years ago
This isn’t the first time these two nations have faced off, but it will be their first official match. The national teams met once in a friendly in 2018, when Qatar pulled off a surprise 1-0 victory thanks to a goal by national football legend Akram Afif.
The 29-year-old Al Sadd forward will be on the field again, so anything is possible.
Players to watch: Back Embolo to secure the goals
Qatar is counting on the individual brilliance of its two stars, Akram Afif and Almoez Ali, who currently have 40 and 60 goals, respectively, for the national team.
The Swiss national team, however, is packed with players who have extensive experience at the highest level, both at the club and national levels. Granit Xhaka, the player with the most appearances for Switzerland (146), will once again control the midfield, while Breel Embolo has again shown great form in the qualifiers and will be the main threat in attack.
The 29-year-old Rennes player has five goals in major competitions for Switzerland and ranks ninth on the country’s all-time goalscoring list with 24 goals.
Probable line-ups
Qatar: Abunada, Ahmed, Miguel, Khoukhi, Al-Oui, Gaber, Laye, Fathi, Abdurisag, Afif, Edmilson
Switzerland: Kobel, Rodriguez, Elvedi, Akanji, Widmer, Xhaka, Freuler, Ndoye, Rieder, Vargas, Embolo
Anything else catch the eye?
If Qatar manage to beat Switzerland again, it would be one of the surprises of the tournament. Unfortunately, however, we don’t see how that could happen, based on their recent performances.
We don’t even expect them to score a goal, even though the Red Crosses didn’t show very good defensive play in their recent friendlies. But given that Qatar have scored only one goal across their last five matches, a clean sheet for Switzerland is definitely worth a bet here.
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