Switzerland looking to pick up what should be a routine 3 pts
Although Switzerland will be massive favorites going into this game Qatar will be hoping to cause a major upset to kickstart their World Cup campaign. Switzerland on the other hand have been a consistent presence in the World Cup with the tournament in North America being their 6th consecutive appearance. Qatar will be looking to draw success from their recent Asia championship success where the Middle Eastern side won two consecutive tournaments. Switzerland on the other hand boast a stronger World Cup pedigree and will be hoping to pick up a routine victory as they eye a place in the knockout phase.
Xhaka hoping to lead Switzerland to their opening gam victory
A swiss team led by Xhaka will undoubtedly be the favorites to come out on top in Group B. The headlines will undoubtedly be on the former Arsenal holding midfielder especially after a strong season where he led Sunderland back to European football after 52 strenuous years. With Xhaka being at the center of their midfield control Switzerland boast the quality to shield their defence as well as unlock low block sitting defenses. Not to mention veteran Remo Freuler’s capabilities with the 34 year old midfielder known for winning back the ball quickly and suffocating opponents. Dan Ndoye and Ruben Vargas’ fluidity on the ball will allow for their full backs to make overlapping runs further proving how fluid they can be. Having said all that, their quality on the ball, their compact shape’s ability to suffocate opponents as well as their vast experience in this tournament will allow them to potentially make a deep run in this tournament.
Qatar looking to stun the Group B favorites
Many will feel that Qatar is just here to have fun however after suffering an embarrassing campaign last time around when they hosted this tournament they will be on a mission to erase their previous world cup woes and prove that they are capable of challenging. Now whether they go on to be dark horses of this tournament may be a bit of a stretch but this side will at the very least want to challenge and make the knockout stage. Akram Afif who was the star of the AFC Asian championship will be eager to show his individual brilliance to the world. A draw in this game would be a good result but a win will surely put them on cloud 9.
