Switzerland vs Portugal
European Qualifiers – 2018 World Cup
Date: Tuesday; 6-September-2016
Kick-off: 19:45 UK
Venue: St. Jakob-Park, Basel.


The European Champions Portugal start their road to FIFA World Cup 2018 with a tough away fixture against Switzerland.

The Swiss team had a decent run at the Euro 2016 as they reached the first knock-out round of the tournament from a tough group containing the hosts France, Romania and Albania. They were drawn against Poland in the round of 16 and lost out on the penalty shoot-out. The Schweizer also had also made it to the last three World Cups and reached the first knock-out round on 2006 and 2014.

Portugal won their first major tournament at the summer tournament beating hosts France by an extra time goal. Cristiano Ronaldo, who got injured during the final showdown at Euro 2016 will be solely missed in Portugal’s World Cup qualifier against Switzerland. Their head-coach Fernando Santos named the same squad that went to France and they will be coming to Basel with high confidence.

Switzerland vs Portugal: Head-to-Head

This is the first meeting between Portugal and Switzerland since their group stage encounter at the Euro 2008 at this very stadium in Basel. The Swiss grabbed a surprise 2-0 win over Portugal, but finished bottom of the group, while Portugal progressed as group winners.

Switzerland’s record against Portugal in 6 home meetings read 2 wins, 3 draws and 1 loss. While they share 3 wins each from 10 meetings on all venues, with 4 matches seeing draws.

Switzerland vs Portugal: Prediction

This is a tricky fixture considering the fact that these two sides are favourites in a group that consists of Hungary, Latvia, Faroe Islands and Andorra. So it is very likely that both coaches adopt a very cautious approach in the group opener. As a reason, there are no clear favourites and the teams will welcome share of the spoils at the full time whistle.

Also 7 of the 10 meetings between these two sides saw under 2.5 goals and it is a very good bet considering the nature of this fixture.


Switzerland vs Portugal: Betting Tips

Under 2.5 goals at 1/2 (1.50)
First Half – Draw at 12/11 (2.05).