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The Swiss National Team’s reputation is well known by this point. A well-organized outfit that plays at a level above the sum of its parts, the Rossocrociati have given plenty of elite teams fits in big tournaments. Just last summer, Switzerland knocked France out of the Euros.
The Swiss won’t beat themselves in this World Cup matchup, which begins at 2 p.m. ET on FOX.
Switzerland vs. Portugal prediction
But in a 3-2 win over Serbia on Friday, we saw a different kind of Switzerland. The Swiss were free-flowing, they were creative, and they let their skill — rather than will — shine through. Switzerland scored three times and created 2.7 xG against Serbia, putting their group-stage total at 4.4 xG in three matches.
Cristiano Ronaldo Getty Images
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It was a victory that showed, while we should still expect defensive commitment above all else from the Swiss, that the ceiling is higher than we thought for this team.
And if their performance against Serbia revealed to us some upside, the Rossocrociati’s 1-0 loss to Brazil reminded us that this team is still a chore. Switzerland held the tournament favorites to just 1.0 xG and didn’t allow a goal until the 83rd minute.
That combination of defensive solidity and some sneaky offensive flair makes them a dangerous underdog against a Portuguese side that has looked vulnerable throughout this World Cup campaign.
Ruben Vargas and Noah Okafor of Switzerland Getty ImagesPortugal’s leaky defense makes it a shaky favorite against a Swiss team that punches up quite well in these situations.
Switzerland vs. Portugal pick
The Play: Switzerland to advance +198 (FanDuel)
