Published 13.20
WC – Day 3!
Switzerland has said it will have its “best championship – ever”.
Up to the proof – against a half-baked Qatar.
ADVERTISEMENT: Catch Steven’s game at Unibet here
Qatar got a free ticket to their home World Cup – there they stood for a belly splash.
Didn’t convince at all in the qualifier. Continuing his trend with Spanish coaches.
Now it is Julen Lopetegui who is at the controls.
Almoez Ali, the goal king, has had a season marked by injuries, but is expected to take his place up front. Switzerland is making its sixth consecutive World Cup and coach Murat Yakin has set the bar high:
“We will do our best WC – ever”.
Is well-coached and well-organized. Looking good on the injury front. Has top chance.
Dan Ndoye has not had a sparkling season in Nottingham, at least not on the personal points front – but we know what he accomplished in Bologna and always rises when the national team shirt is on. Against this kind of (pale) opposition, the odds are a tad on the high side.
Bonus shrimp…
Achraf Hakimi – usually gets the trust if free-kick position is lacking.
Ismael Saibari – likely to get the chance up front, scored three headers in the past Eredivisie season.
Jean Ricner Bellegarde – something of the team’s star, who shared responsibility for free kicks in the qualifiers.
