football | Monday, December 5, 2022 12:18 PM (Revised at: Thursday, December 8, 2022 2:05 PM)

Portugal vs Switzerland Bet Builder Tips: Swiss to Keep it Close in Round of 16

Jack Wright

Portugal vs Switzerland Bet Builder Tips: Tuesday, December, 6th

I have pored over the stats from the group stage of the 2022 World Cup to bring you my Portugal vs Switzerland bet builder tips. The Lusail Iconic Stadium plays host as A Seleção take on Die Nati. The winners will book their place in the quarter finals to take on either Morocco or Spain.

In this article:

Portugal vs Switzerland Preview
Portugal vs Switzerland Stats & Facts
Portugal vs Switzerland Bet Builder

Portugal vs Switzerland Preview

Tuesday, December 6th, 19:00 (UK)

For a while on Friday it looked as if Portugal were going to be the only side to qualify for the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup with maximum points. Ricardo Horta smashed in a first-time shot with under five minutes on the clock. Only for Kim Young-gwon to draw South Korea level and set up a dramatic conclusion to secure their own place in the last 16. Hwang Hee-chan firing in Son Heung-min’s injury time pass to progress on goals scored. Fernando Santos made six changes following the 2-0 win against Uruguay which had clinched progress out of Group H. Despite the defeat their position as section winners was confirmed following Ghana’s 2-0 defeat in Al Wakrah.

The Swiss secured their third consecutive World Cup knockout stage appearance after coming out on top in a five-goal thriller with Serbia. Murat Yakin’s side both led and trailed in a crazy first half which ended 2-2. The first time both sides had scored twice before HT in a group stage match since 1958. The decisive goal was a thing of beauty. A Ruben Vargas back-heel finished off by Nottingham Forest’s Remo Freuler. It was a vital strike due to Cameroon’s shock late win over group winners Brazil which could have seen the African nation grab the runners up spot.

Portugal vs Switzerland Stats & Facts

The last team to keep a clean sheet against Portugal at the World Cup was Germany in 2014 with Portugal scoring 16 times and at least once in each of their last nine games in the competition since then.
Xherdan Shaqiri’s goal against Serbia last time out saw him become the first player to score in three World Cup tournaments for Switzerland (2014, 2018 and 2022). If Shaqiri scores in this match, he would equal Josef Hügi (6) as Switzerland’s all-time top scorer at the World Cup.
Bruno Fernandes has been directly involved in four goals in two appearances for Portugal at the 2022 World Cup (two goals, two assists). This was the joint-most of any player during the group stage, along with Kylian Mbappé and Álvaro Morata.
Manuel Akanji has carried the ball 888 metres during the 2022 World Cup so far. Indeed, only three players carried the ball further than the Swiss during the group stage, with each of those three players being fellow Manchester City teammates: John Stones (1080m), Nathan Aké (1001m) and Rodri (992m).

Portugal vs Switzerland Bet Builder

I am prepared to take favourites Portugal on here. I’ve not been overly impressed with Fernando Santos’ side whilst the pantomime that has been the end to Ronaldo’s 2022 continues to rumble on. The 37-year-old has scored from the spot but has cut something of a frustrated figure as he strives, possibly too hard, to find his form. Not only does the free agent line up here looking to score his first World Cup knockout goal but secure a move. Of course there is a wealth of talent in this Portuguese team behind their talisman.

Switzerland are however no pushovers. They thoroughly deserved their success over Serbia, who defeated Portugal twice in qualifying. Prior to that they opened the tournament with a win over Cameroon. While ante post favourites Brazil needed a late Casemiro strike to finally break Die Nati’s stubborn resistance. Cast our minds back to last summer and the Swiss were only beaten by eventual winners Italy in their five games at the European Championships. Knocking France out at this stage of that competition before only being sent home after a penalty shootout loss to Spain in the Quarter Final.

This will be the third meeting between the two sides in 2022, having traded wins in the UEFA Nations League in June. Also claiming three wins apiece from their six head-to-heads this century. Switzerland victorious in the only previous clash at a major tournament. The Swiss will be happy to sit in and invite their opponents to break them down in similar fashion to the Brazil tie. Knowing they have the threat of Breel Embolo on the counter. To have both the draw and a Switzerland win on side is too good an opportunity to pass up.

One player crucial to his side securing a positive result is Granit Xhaka. The Arsenal man has been in sensational form domestically and wll come into this one fresh from the successful high octane battle with the Serbs. Formally known for starting arguments in an empty room the 30-year-old managed to escape a second yellow card on Friday to avoid suspension here. His evolving this campaign into a more mature midfielder has dovetailed with a much greater attacking threat. It is the latter where I am completing this builder. Xhaka has fired in 16 shots from 14 English Premier League appearances and eight in just four Europa League starts for the Gunners. Transferring that form to the World stage with five attempts at goal from the three group fixtures. He has had at least one shot in 15 of those 21 games which equates to 71%.