Qatar vs Switzerland – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Qatar and Switzerland launch their World Cup campaigns on Saturday afternoon in Santa Clara with an intriguing Group B clash.

The Maroons return to the global stage determined to erase the memories of a disappointing 2022 tournament on home soil. Julen Lopetegui has taken the reins, becoming the second Spanish manager to lead Qatar at a World Cup finals.

Meanwhile, Switzerland arrive in California looking to maintain their remarkable reputation for consistency. Murat Yakin has constructed a highly balanced side that expects to progress deep into the tournament. Both teams understand that a positive result at Levi’s Stadium is imperative in an open group containing Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Qatar vs Switzerland – Match preview and team news

Team news

Qatar

Julen Lopetegui enjoys the luxury of a fully fit squad with no major injury or suspension concerns reported. The Spanish tactician looks set to unleash a settled attacking trio of Akram Afif, Yusuf Abdurisag, and Edmilson Junior. Afif remains the undisputed talisman for his country, boasting 39 international goals.

The creative winger will be heavily relied upon to spark counter-attacks and maximise set-piece opportunities. In defence, Mahmud Abunada is expected to start between the posts. Experienced central defenders Pedro Miguel and Boualem Khoukhi will anchor the backline against a sophisticated Swiss attack.

Switzerland

Murat Yakin similarly reports a clean bill of health ahead of their opening fixture. The manager faces multiple selection dilemmas in the final third due to fierce competition for starting roles. Breel Embolo offers a powerful alternative up front, but Burnley forward Zeki Amdouni is expected to lead the line.

The Swiss lineup boasts immense tournament experience through defensive anchors Manuel Akanji and Ricardo Rodriguez. Inter Milan icon Granit Xhaka will captain the side from the engine room alongside Remo Freuler. Talented winger Dan Ndoye is set to provide electric pace from the left flank.

Form

Qatar

Qatar secured their spot at this summer’s tournament after navigating a dramatic qualification route, culminating in a 2-1 playoff success over the UAE. Their high-octane qualifying matches produced an entertaining 3.61 goals per game, though they lost five matches during the cycle.

However, their recent pre-tournament form has been uninspiring. Lopetegui’s men are currently on a six-match winless streak, which includes a 1-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland and a 1-1 draw against El Salvador. The Maroons face immense pressure to improve upon their 2022 showing, where they finished bottom of their group with three straight defeats.

Switzerland

Switzerland enter the tournament in formidable form, having lost just one of their last 14 international matches across all competitions. That solitary defeat came in a high-scoring 4-3 friendly loss against Germany in March. The stable European outfit recently thrashed Jordan 4-1 before playing out a 1-1 draw against Australia in their final warm-up fixture.

Yakin’s side cruised through an unbeaten qualification campaign, conceding only twice in six matches. The Swiss are regular fixtures in the knockout rounds, having advanced from the group stage in each of their last three World Cup appearances.

Predicted lineups

Qatar Predicted XI: Abunada; Al-Oui, Khoukhi, Pedro Miguel, Ahmed; Laye, Fathi, Gaber; Abdurisag, Afif, Edmilson

Switzerland Predicted XI: Kobel; Widmer, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Xhaka, Freuler; Vargas, Rieder, Ndoye; Amdouni

How to watch Qatar vs Switzerland?

In the United Kingdom, this Group B opening match will be broadcast live on television via ITV1. Football fans in the United States can stream or watch the full match live through Fox.

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