Switzerland looking for fast start in Euro Group I qualifying against Belarus

Belarus vs Switzerland - 25/03/2023

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Switzerland reached the round of 16 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup but crashed out of the tournament hard against Portugal, losing 6-1. Now, manager Murat Yakin leads the team into Euro 2024 qualifying with a matchday No 1 fixture away to Belarus.

Belarus are ranked No 97 in the world, according to FIFA. It is a rather high ranking and Belarus will be tested from the start against the high-flying Swiss. Switzerland are up to No 13 in the world, according to FIFA, after their exploits at the 2022 World Cup.

Neither national team has played since 2022. Switzerland’s last match was their round of 16 defeat to Portugal, while Belarus last played against Oman, losing 2-0. It was an ‘oh man’ moment for Belarus football, as they fell to a minnow of Asian football.

Belarus spent much of 2022 failing to win matches in the UEFA Nations League. The team took three points from six games in the competition, all from draws.

Following the disastrous Nations League campaign, they defeated Syria before the previously mentioned loss to Oman.

Switzerland and Belarus will be joined by Israel, Romania, Kosovo, and Andorra. Group I isn’t a strong group and, on the surface, Switzerland should win it.

Israel are already guaranteed a place in the playoffs. Belarus and Andorra will be considered the whipping boys at the start of the competition.

Yakin won’t have captain Xherdan Shaqiri for the fixture. The Chicago Fire forward is ruled out along with goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, defender Jordan Lotomba, and forward Andi Zeqiri.

Striker Breel Embolo should lead the line against Belarus after a strong showing at the World Cup. Granit Xhaka will captain the side and Bayern goalkeeper Yann Sommer will start in goal. Switzerland have a strong team and it could be the best the country has had in some time.

Belarus do not have a player competing in any of the top six leagues in Europe. Most of the squad comes from the Belarussian domestic league.

Defender Denis Polyakov is the team’s most capped player, with 53 previous appearances for the national side.

Switzerland played Belarus for the first time in 1999, winning 1-0 in Euro 2000 qualifying. Since then, the teams have played twice more, with Switzerland winning both fixtures. Their most recent game was in 2017, as the Swiss won 1-0.

Switzerland should win for a fourth straight time against Belarus, posting a 2-0 victory away from home to start Euro 2024 qualifying.

Home team
Away team

Probability %

1X2

Pred

Correct score

Avg. goals

Weather conditions

Coef.

Score

Live
coef.

EuQ

Belarus Switzerland 25/03/2023 18:00

122959

2

0 - 2

2.05

9°

1.22

15.00 5.75 1.22 no no no

FT

0 - 5(0 - 3)

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