Switzerland to edge out Denmark in Group D qualifying
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Switzerland go into their Euro Group D qualifying match against Denmark full of confidence. The Swiss lead Group D after matchday 1 thanks to a 2-0 win over minnows Georgia. Vladimir Petkovic’s team will welcome rivals Denmark to Basel on Tuesday night.
Group D won’t be easy to win. Along with Switzerland and Denmark, the Republic of Ireland, Gibraltar, and Georgia make up the group. While Gibraltar and Georgia should finish at the bottom, Switzerland, Denmark, and Ireland will fight for the top two spots.
Denmark are the only team in Group D yet to play in qualifying. The Danish did play a friendly warm-up match against Kosovo; but disappointingly drew 2-2. Despite playing a strong squad, Denmark needed a second half stoppage-time goal from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to achieve the draw.
Despite their draw against Kosovo, Denmark have lost just once in their last 16 matches. The Danish were one penalty away from moving to the World Cup quarterfinals, but were beaten by Croatia 3-2 in Russia. They rebounded well in the UEFA Nations League, however. The Danish will be difficult to beat with the likes of Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen and RB Leipzig’s Yussuf Poulsen in the team.
Switzerland were knocked out of the World Cup by Sweden, and since then, results have been mixed. In seven games, Switzerland have won four and lost three times. Losses to England and Belgium were justified, however, a 1-0 defeat to Qatar in a November friendly was embarrassing. Switzerland have won two straight games since losing to the Middle East minnows. They have beaten Belgium (5-2) and Georgia (2-0).
Denmark have played Switzerland 10 times since 1923. They have won three, drawn five, and lost two in that time span. Denmark’s most recent win came back in 1999 as they beat Switzerland 2-1. It was also the last time the two countries met in a match. Prior to their win, Denmark hadn’t beaten Switzerland since 1953.
Switzerland have a strong team led by Bundesliga stars Steven Zubar and Denis Zakaria. Both scored in Switzerland’s matchday 1 victory over Georgia. If there is a weakness for Switzerland it is at the No. 9 position. Mario Gavranovic was deployed as the team’s central striker in a 4-3-3 formation but wasn’t great. Petkovic may tinker with his No. 9 against Denmark in an attempt to unlock scoring.
Denmark’s struggles against Kosovo shouldn’t be ignored. They managed a draw and only achieved it at the death. Meanwhile, the Swiss won by two clear goals against Georgia. Tuesday night’s match will see goals as both sides look for a win. Switzerland will just edge their rivals as the game features over 2.5 goals scored.
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