Betting on Switzerland at the World Cup 2010

World Cup appearances: 7
Best World Cup: Quarter-Finals; 1934, 1938 & 1954
FIFA World Ranking: 20
Manager: Ottmar Hitzfeld
Captain: Alexander Frei

Switzerland Team Profile

The Swiss aren’t a country you would automatically associate with strong World Cup’s but they have gone as far as the Quarter-Finals back in their heyday, although their heyday was a good half-a-century ago. They qualified for the finals on seven previous occasions, with South Africa being their eighth, but their previous best display came way back in 1954 when they reached the Quarter-Finals… again. However, they have since rarely made the finals itself, qualifying just four times since the 60′s, failing to make the cut on eight occasions.

Switzerland did, however, get as far as the last sixteen in Germany, 2006 before losing on a penalty shoot-out, with the Swizz not managing one goal in the shoot-out, losing 3-0 to Ukraine in what was one of the poorest penalty shoot-outs I think I’ve ever seen. They flopped completely at the Euro’s in 2008, exiting after just two group games despite being the hosts. They did, however, gain a consolation victory in the form of a shock 2-0 win over Portugal, of whom had already qualified for the latter stage of the tournament.

The Swiss aren’t the powerhouse of old and are often seen as a team most nations would prefer in their group. They also wear a red and white styled kit for both their home and away games, with their home kit a red top and white shorts while their away kit is vice verse.

Switzerland Key Players

Alexander Frei

Despite entering his 30′s last year, Frei is still Switzerland best player by a country mile and has remained their most prolific goalscorer for quite some time now, scoring 40 goals in his 70 caps for Switzerland. He averages over a goal every-other-game for his country and his stunning goal return ratio has earned him the captain’s armband, although his wealth of experience would have had a hand in that decision. Frei is currently settled in Switzerland after joining Basel last season from Borussia Dortmund in Germany and has found scoring a breeze back in his native country. He is a calm and composed sort who doesn’t often miss one-on-one’s nor does he miss too many sitters.

Strengths / Weakness

Not the best at attacking, weak looking midfield and a defence which doesn’t fill me with any great deal of confidence. Moreover, the Swiss are one of thee dullest sides to watch due to their slow tempo style of playing and their inability to retain possession, especially against the elite footballing nations. They don’t have any players which could entertain the neutrals, with Hakan Yakin being the only player we would keep an eye on. Very little in terms of positives, none in fact, but plenty of negatives, despite a decent defensive record in qualifying.

Switzerland Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: European
Group: 2
Position: 1st
Win-Draw-Lose: 6-3-1
Goals Scored: 18
Goals Conceded: 8

Switzerland came through an unattractive looking Group 2, fending off Greece, Latvia & Isreal, with neither of the mentioned nations anything special, which just goes to show how easy the Swiss had it during qualification. They did, though, lose just once in ten qualifiers, although that was a shock home defeat to Luxermbourg.

World Cup Potential: 1/5

Switzerland are one of a rare few nations we can’t stand to watch as they’re so dull. Their attacks have a knack of pittering out into nothing, while they don’t have any noteworthy players in their squad. Their defence looks mighty exposed against some of the more prolific attacking country’s and will almost certainly be found wanting in South Africa. The Swiss are a team we would steer well clear of in the betting market. We would even go as far as saying we would avoid watching them on the TV if you’re in the slightest bit vulnerable to a a sudden nap after a hard days work. 

Switzerland World Cup Betting Odds

Switzerland to win the World Cup: 100/1 BetFred

Before the World Cup the odds on Switzerland were 200/1 

Official Switzerland World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Diego Benaglio (VfL Wolfsburg)

Marco Wölfli (Young Boys Bern)

Johnny Leoni (FC Zurich)

Defenders

Stephan Lichtsteiner (Lazio Roma)

Philippe Senderos (Everton)

Stephane Grichting (AJ Auxerre)

Steve von Bergen (Hertha BSC Berlin)

Mario Eggimann (Hannover 96)

Reto Ziegler (Sampdoria Genoa)

Ludovic Magnin (FC Zurich)

Midfielders

Valon Behrami (West Ham United)

Gökhan Inler (Udinese Calcio)

Benjamin Huggel (FC Basle)

Pirmin Schwegler (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Gelson Fernandes (AS St. Etienne)

Tranquillo Barnetta (Bayer Leverkusen)

Xherdan Shaqiri (FC Basle)

Marco Padalino (Sampdoria Genoa)

Hakan Yakin (FC Lucerne)

Strikers

Alexander Frei (FC Basle)

Blaise Nkufo (Twente Enschede)

Eren Derdiyok (Bayer Leverkusen)

Albert Bunjaku (1. FC Nuremberg)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Switzerland Fixtures – Group H

World Cup 2010 Group H - Table

World Cup Fixtures and Results

Chile

Chile were one of the most impressive teams in the first round of matches, even though they could not go on and put a bit more gloss on their victory over Honduras. Marcelo Bielsa’s side went on to win 1-0 and were good value for their money after dominating the match against the Central American’s and the score line could have, and should have, been a lot bigger. But regardless, it is three points in the bag for Chile, and now they have the chance to push home a strong advantage by doing what favourites Spain could not, and beat Switzerland. Chile have a fantastic balance to their side, and they look as if they have been playing together for years under the same system. They have not of course, but that is what Bielsa, one of the most respected coaches in the world, has done for the South Americans. He has taken them in his firm grip, instilled a new sense of discipline and tactics to make them stronger at the back, without diluting any of that great South American flair.

Chile are a strong side, who can zip quick passes around the pitch, and leave the opposition bewildered. They are similar to Spain, perhaps not as controlled or accomplished, but they can hold the ball and pull opponents all over the field with their quick movement. The Germans aside, Chile showed the most attack minded approach than any other nation in their opening matches, and the positivity was a sheer joy to watch. The only thing was lacking was more goals, and against better teams, Chile will know that if they squander chances as they did against Honduras, they will get punished. If Bielsa can take three points from Switzerland, then they will be firm favourites to win the group, and it will be a vital three points, as Chile still have to face the Spaniards in their final group match. That won’t be any easy task, although it is one of the most mouth-watering fixtures of the last round of group matches. That will be two passing heavyweights going up against one another. Going into the World Cup, Chile were tipped as a dark horse, and they showed why in the first place. Now they need to watch the long balls from Switzerland, and simply play their natural attacking game and they should prevail. They will have seen how tough the Swiss defence held themselves together, but they will also have seen the chances Spain created and should have put away.

Chile World Cup Betting. Tough to bet against them in this match, even though teams have a habit of blowing hot and cold in tournaments. One thing which stands out about Chile is the positive attitude they have in playing their own way, and apparently enjoying it. They look a strong team unit, and are ready to battle it out at the back. It will be worth backing them as outright winners for this match, even with Switzerland’s impressive clean sheet record at the World Cup. Something has to give soon, and Chile, with the right attitude and application, should be able to do it.

Chile World Cup 2010 Stats
Played: P1, W1, D0, L0
GF/GA: 1/0
Cards: Y2, R0
Most Shots: Alexis Sanchez, 4
Top Scorer: Jean Beausejour, 1
Shots/On Goal: 20/5
Fouls Committed: 21
Total Passes: 526
Pass Completion: 73%
Last 5 Form: WDLWW
 

Switzerland

Switzerland have wounded the Spanish giants, and can they now back up all of their good hard work by getting something out of Chile as well? Before the start of the tournament, they weren’t expected to have three points going into their second match, but that is what they have, and with another unlikely win, would put themselves in the driving seat to top the group. The Swiss have a great work ethic and ready to battle and fight for each other, which is impressive. No, their football is not particularly pretty, but it is effective to a large degree. They are used to sitting back and soaking up pressure from teams better than them, and then hitting long balls behind the defence to sneak goals. Chile will have to be aware of that, but one has to wonder how much their effort against Spain took out of the Swiss? Will they be more of a tired side, facing the daunting prospect of being on the back foot for another 90 minutes against the slick, speedy Chileans?

Any points from this match will be crucial for Switzerland, as they will also be banking on taking three points of Honduras in their final match. This is an unexpected position for them, but now they have to make sure that they don’t let all of their hard work count for nothing by not getting to the second round. They still have tough battles on their hands, and Chile are not going to be an easy side for them to contain. But that is five clean sheets in a row now for Switzerland at the World Cup, and that is what will keep them going. Their defence and organisation is their strengths, and they will run and chase and block all day long. This will be a fascinating match between the two sides in Group H with three points going into it. While a point for Switzerland would be fairly satisfactory, they will know that Chile will be pressing hard for all three, as they still have to deal with Spain. Will the Swiss defence succumb to any air of complacency thinking that all of the hard work in the group has already been done?

Switzerland World Cup Betting. Finding odds on them to get a draw would be well worth investigating to be honest. The only thing that should concern punters about backing Switzerland, is if Chile get their noses in front early. Will losing their record of clean sheets mentally and physically break the Swiss, letting Chile run up more goals? That is the danger of the Swiss having to chase a game, opposed to having to hold on to a lead. Any Asian handicap which backs them in the plus and pays a win for the Swiss drawing would be good value to look at. Tough to see them winning, but a draw, with Switzerland, is always on the cards.

Switzerland World Cup 2010 Stats
Played: P1, W1, D0, L0
GF/GA: 1/0
Cards: Y4, R0
Most Shots: Eren Derdiyok, Tranquillo Barnetta, 2
Top Scorer: Gelson Fernandes, 1
Shots/On Goal: 8/3
Fouls Committed: 21
Total Passes: 318
Pass Completion: 57%
Last 5 Form: LLLDW

Chile v Switzerland Betting Odds

Chile to win: 11/8 at Boylesports
Draw: 9/4 at Totesport
Switzerland to win: 5/2 at Coral

Asian Handicap Betting Tip: Well, Chile look favourites to edge this one, even though the odds which the bookmakers are putting forth for this one, seems to pointing towards parity. Theirs is a big swing in favour to Switzerland keeping out the Chileans, so that just means if you think otherwise, then you are going to get good odds, like this:
Chile -0.25 for Evens at Bet365

Chile V Switzerland Odds:

World Cup betting will pay much head to the deadline announcement day, as it is packed with some interesting International friendly matches. Team have to submit their final 23 man World Cup squads to FIFA on the deadline of June 1st, and while some, like Brazil, have already named their 23, there is much speculation about over the likes of who England manager Fabio Capello will cut from his squad after less than impressive warm up matches. All of the speculation will be over on June 1st, as the world learns who will be showing up at South Africa 2010 from all nations. It will also help in picking out the best of World Cup Odds, because some big players who are waiting on late fitness tests, could have a huge influence over proceedings, whether they make it or not. England’s Gareth Barry is one of the major names up there. All will be revealed,  but the announcements won’t take away from some interesting action, which could also influence your World Cup betting.

Australia v Denmark
The Australians can at least boast that they were the first team to arrive in South Africa for the World Cup. The Socceroos have landed themselves in Group D along with Germany, Serbia and Ghana, and so they have no easy task on their hands. They beat New Zealand in a warm up, but with all respect, that’s not much to write home about. Denmark won their qualification group ahead of Portugal, and it will be very interesting to see what they can do at the World Cup. They have a great chance of moving on to the second round, as they are in Group E with Holland, Japan and Cameroon. Denmark work well as a team and have some threatening talent up front, but it is their defence which will largely get them through. Their defence should be able to keep the Socceroos at bay, and further their claims as being an interesting outside bet.
Australia to win: 11/8 at Coral
Draw: 12/5 at Bwin
Australia to win: 9/4 at Victor Chandler

Switzerland v Costa Rica
Costa Rica gave France a good run for their money in a recent International Friendly, but are not on their way to the World Cup. Switzerland however, have a lot to play for, and will be quietly confident of reaching the second round. Much like Denmark, they are strong in terms of team spirit and fight. They impressed quite well in their qualification group from the European zone, but have to face leaders in World Cup Odds Spain, as well as Honduras and Chile. This match will give Switzerland some kind of taste of what is to come from the Latin sides they will meet at the World Cup, who will deal in speed and movement, whereas the Swiss will take a more neutral, efficient approach. Would lean towards Switzerland edging this one in the betting.
Switzerland to win: 3/5 at Totesport
Draw: 11/4 at Victor Chandler
Costa Rica to win: 9/2 at Bet365

Netherlands v Ghana
World Cup betting at Bet365 has seen Holland quietly creeping up in the World Cup Odds, shortening in price to 10/1 in the outright market. There has been little fuss or news coming out of the Dutch camp, as they have been going about their business without grabbing any headlines. The only big debate was over whether or not Ruud Van Nistelrooy would make the squad. He didn’t as the squad was cut down to size well ahead of the deadline. Holland made the USA look woeful in an international friendly, and took down Mexico as well. Now the Dutch, who got through their abridged qualification group with a 100% record, face World Cup participants Ghana.. For Ghana, they have lost Chelsea’s Michael Essien, but should still be a very strong team, as they showed at the African Cup of Nation. This match will be a great test of seeing where both teams are standing at ahead of the tournament, but Holland should edge it.
Holland to win: 5/11 at Coral
Draw: 10/3 at Bet365
Ghana: 8/1 at Victor Chandler

Portugal v Cameroon
Cameroon have been having to deal with a public spat between Samuel Eto’o and former World Cup star Roger Milla. Milla cited Eto’o for not having done anything for his country. Eto’o who has netted 44 times in 94 appearances for his country, was debating whether to go to South Africa 2010 after the personal attack on him, wondering why he should bother. But boss Paul Le Guen has picked him in his final 23, and the Inter Milan man will be going. Cameroon recently drew against Slovakia, and appear to be lacking a lot of punch, and may not be as much of a threat as hoped on African soil. Portugal have been unconvincing, and their World Cup Odds are reflecting that. They have plenty of talent, but coach Carlos Queiroz has not been getting the best out of them. They showed a lot of bottle in battling and scrapping to overcome a poor start in qualification to reach the finals, but don’t look strong enough. Interesting match, as both teams should be better than they are. Portugal maybe will have just a little more punch.
Portugal to win: 4/6 at Boylesports
Draw: 13/5 at Bet365
Cameroon to win: 4/1 at Paddy Power
 

World Cup appearances: 7
Best World Cup: Quarter-Finals; 1934, 1938 & 1954
FIFA World Ranking: 20
Manager: Ottmar Hitzfeld
Captain: Alexander Frei

Switzerland Team Profile

The Swiss aren’t a country you would automatically associate with strong World Cup’s but they have gone as far as the Quarter-Finals back in their heyday, although their heyday was a good half-a-century ago. They qualified for the finals on seven previous occasions, with South Africa being their eighth, but their previous best display came way back in 1954 when they reached the Quarter-Finals… again. However, they have since rarely made the finals itself, qualifying just four times since the 60′s, failing to make the cut on eight occasions.

Switzerland did, however, get as far as the last sixteen in Germany, 2006 before losing on a penalty shoot-out, with the Swizz not managing one goal in the shoot-out, losing 3-0 to Ukraine in what was one of the poorest penalty shoot-outs I think I’ve ever seen. They flopped completely at the Euro’s in 2008, exiting after just two group games despite being the hosts. They did, however, gain a consolation victory in the form of a shock 2-0 win over Portugal, of whom had already qualified for the latter stage of the tournament.

The Swiss aren’t the powerhouse of old and are often seen as a team most nations would prefer in their group. They also wear a red and white styled kit for both their home and away games, with their home kit a red top and white shorts while their away kit is vice verse.

Switzerland Key Players

Alexander Frei

Despite entering his 30′s last year, Frei is still Switzerland best player by a country mile and has remained their most prolific goalscorer for quite some time now, scoring 40 goals in his 70 caps for Switzerland. He averages over a goal every-other-game for his country and his stunning goal return ratio has earned him the captain’s armband, although his wealth of experience would have had a hand in that decision. Frei is currently settled in Switzerland after joining Basel last season from Borussia Dortmund in Germany and has found scoring a breeze back in his native country. He is a calm and composed sort who doesn’t often miss one-on-one’s nor does he miss too many sitters.

Strengths / Weakness

Not the best at attacking, weak looking midfield and a defence which doesn’t fill me with any great deal of confidence. Moreover, the Swiss are one of thee dullest sides to watch due to their slow tempo style of playing and their inability to retain possession, especially against the elite footballing nations. They don’t have any players which could entertain the neutrals, with Hakan Yakin being the only player we would keep an eye on. Very little in terms of positives, none in fact, but plenty of negatives, despite a decent defensive record in qualifying.

Switzerland Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: European
Group: 2
Position: 1st
Win-Draw-Lose: 6-3-1
Goals Scored: 18
Goals Conceded: 8

Switzerland came through an unattractive looking Group 2, fending off Greece, Latvia & Isreal, with neither of the mentioned nations anything special, which just goes to show how easy the Swiss had it during qualification. They did, though, lose just once in ten qualifiers, although that was a shock home defeat to Luxermbourg.

World Cup Potential: 1/5

Switzerland are one of a rare few nations we can’t stand to watch as they’re so dull. Their attacks have a knack of pittering out into nothing, while they don’t have any noteworthy players in their squad. Their defence looks mighty exposed against some of the more prolific attacking country’s and will almost certainly be found wanting in South Africa. The Swiss are a team we would steer well clear of in the betting market. We would even go as far as saying we would avoid watching them on the TV if you’re in the slightest bit vulnerable to a a sudden nap after a hard days work. 

Switzerland World Cup Betting Odds

Switzerland to win the World Cup: 100/1 BetFred

Before the World Cup the odds on Switzerland were 200/1 

Official Switzerland World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Diego Benaglio (VfL Wolfsburg)

Marco Wölfli (Young Boys Bern)

Johnny Leoni (FC Zurich)

Defenders

Stephan Lichtsteiner (Lazio Roma)

Philippe Senderos (Everton)

Stephane Grichting (AJ Auxerre)

Steve von Bergen (Hertha BSC Berlin)

Mario Eggimann (Hannover 96)

Reto Ziegler (Sampdoria Genoa)

Ludovic Magnin (FC Zurich)

Midfielders

Valon Behrami (West Ham United)

Gökhan Inler (Udinese Calcio)

Benjamin Huggel (FC Basle)

Pirmin Schwegler (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Gelson Fernandes (AS St. Etienne)

Tranquillo Barnetta (Bayer Leverkusen)

Xherdan Shaqiri (FC Basle)

Marco Padalino (Sampdoria Genoa)

Hakan Yakin (FC Lucerne)

Strikers

Alexander Frei (FC Basle)

Blaise Nkufo (Twente Enschede)

Eren Derdiyok (Bayer Leverkusen)

Albert Bunjaku (1. FC Nuremberg)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Switzerland Fixtures – Group H

World Cup Group H - Table

World Cup Fixtures and Results

World Cup Group of Switzerland