Our prediction for this Nations League match:
Stade de Geneve will host Sunday’s Nations League game between Switzerland and Portugal, the two teams who sit in the opposite halves of the table. Portugal are leading Group 2 with seven points in their pocket, while Switzerland are stuck at the bottom ahead of the visit of Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. Haris Seferovic is widely expected to return to the Rossocrociati’s starting XI after the Benfica striker was rested in a 1-0 loss to Spain, with Fabian Frei pushing for a start as well.
A Selecao, on the other hand, faced no difficulties in a 2-0 win over Czech Republic. Portugal are more of a team than Switzerland, and we predict that Fernando Santos’ troops are going to take advantage of the home team’s shaky defence. All Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao, and Joao Palhinha are pushing for recalls, speaking of the visiting side.
Highlighted Player (Xherdan Shaqiri):
Another impressive player who emigrated to Switzerland, Xherdan Shaqiri is a midfielder with excellent technical qualities, very strong in taking players on and creating chances for his teammates, while also being a danger from set pieces. The Serbian-born footballer formed an excellent midfielder pairing with Granit Xhaka at FC Basel, before making a high-profile move to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2012.
Shaqiri went on to prove a great deal of potential at Allianz Arena, scoring 11 goals in 52 Bundesliga matches, but he decided to leave in search of first team football, first joining Inter Milan and then moving to Stoke City. It was at Britannia Stadium that the attacking midfielder rediscovered his form and if he continues playing at such a high level, it won’t be long before he returns to the biggest stage.
Even when he was not playing regularly at club level, Shaqiri would always reserve his best performances for the national team, as witnessed by 17 goals in first 50 caps. The midfielder was especially impressive at the 2014 World Cup finals, where he scored no fewer than three goals.
Highlighted Team (Portugal):
Portugal started competing at the biggest stage in the 1930’s, but they had to wait for almost seventy years to establish themselves as a top side. The third place finish at the 1966 World Cup was a one-off result as the Selecao needed another 40 years to get past the group stage, reaching the semi-finals at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Portugal enjoyed more success on the continent, finishing third at the 1984, 2000 and 2012 European Championships, while losing in the final to Greece at the Euro 2004 that was held on home soil. Despite being able to count on one of world’s best ever footballers Cristiano Ronaldo, the Selecao have yet to lift a major trophy and they will not have too many opportunities to do so before the Real Madrid superstar retires.
Eusebio remains the most famous footballer to have played for Portugal, while Luis Figo, Simao Sabrosa, Pedro Pauleta, Rui Costa and Nani are also worth mention. The Selecao currently boast an impressive pool of world-class talent and it should not be long before they end the trophy drought.