Switzerland vs Cameroon – Group Stage – Preview & Prediction | 2022 FIFA World Cup
THE FACTS
When is Switzerland vs Cameroon on and what time does it start? Switzerland vs Cameroon will take place on Thursday 24th November, 2022 – 10:00 (UK)
Where is Switzerland vs Cameroon taking place? Switzerland vs Cameroon will take place at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah, Qatar
Where can I get tickets for Switzerland vs Cameroon? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Switzerland vs Cameroon
What channel is Switzerland vs Cameroon on in the UK? Switzerland vs Cameroon will be televised live on ITV
Where can I stream Switzerland vs Cameroon in the UK? Switzerland vs Cameroon can be streamed live on the ITV Hub
THE LOWDOWN
SWITZERLAND
- Switzerland come into this World Cup on the back of consecutive round of 16 finishes in 2014 and 2018, alongside a quarter-final finish at EURO 2020 and with Brazil in the same group, this is a crucial opening match.
- First-choice goalkeeper Yann Sommer had not played for club side Borussia Monchengladbach since October due to an ankle ligament injury, but he has been named in the squad and played for Switzerland in a friendly against Ghana leading up to the tournament, so should be fit to play here.
CAMEROON
- A nail-biting two-legged play-off victory for Cameroon over Algeria via the away goals rule secured their place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup after they finished top of their qualification group ahead of Ivory Coast.
- Cameroon’s World Cup history is a rich one, with their most famous result coming in the opening game of ‘Italia 90’, when they defeated reigning champions Argentina by a goal to nil at the San Siro.
THE TEAM NEWS
SWITZERLAND
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Sommer; Widmer, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka; Shaqiri, Sow, Vargas; Embolo
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
CAMEROON
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Onana; Fai, Castelletto, Nkoulou, Tolo Nouhou; Hongla, Zambo Anguissa, Ntcham, Toko Ekambi; Chupo-Moting, Aboubakar
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE KEY STATS
- Switzerland have lost only two of their last 12 World Cup group stage matches (W6 D4)
- Switzerland have not lost their opening game in their last five World Cup appearances (W2 D3)
- Switzerland have not failed to score in their last six World Cup group stage matches
- Three-time quarter-finalists, Switzerland are competing in their 12th FIFA World Cup and this is their fifth in a row which represents their best ever sequence of successful qualifications
- Switzerland have successfully qualified from their group in four of their last five appearances at the FIFA World Cup
- Xherdan Shaqiri is participating at the World Cup for the fourth successive time, matching the Swiss record held by Valon Behrami (2006-2018)
- Switzerland’s only previous World Cup match against African opposition was their 2-0 victory vs Togo in 2006
- Cameroon have made more appearances at the FIFA World Cup than any other African nation, their qualification for Qatar 2022 extends their record to eight participations
- Cameroon come into this tournament having lost each of their last seven group stage matches, since a 1-0 win against Saudi Arabia in 2002
- Cameroon have won their opening match in only one of their previous seven World Cup appearances (D4 L2). The sole victory was their famous win against Argentina in 1990
- Cameroon have won only one of their previous 14 World Cup matches against European opposition (D5 L8). The sole victory coming against Romania in 1990 (W 2-1)
- Cameroon have not scored more than one goal in any of their last 14 World Cup matches
- Cameroon have kept only one clean sheet in their last 19 World Cup matches
- Vincent Aboubakar, Nicolas Nkoulou and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting are the only members of the Cameroon squad with previous World Cup experience, all three are appearing at their third final tournament
THE PREDICTION
If Cameroon are to get anything out of this game, the likelihood is that they will need to be strong going forward and feed the ball to their front players as much as possible. The likes of Aboubakar and Choupo-Moting are more than capable of finding the net, provided they are given the service to do so, but the defence is more of a worry. Cameroon have kept just one clean sheet in their last eight international fixtures (including friendlies) and a Switzerland side with players such as Xherdan Shaqiri and Breel Embolo are likely to fashion a number of opportunities themselves to find the net. Both teams to score is well worth backing in this one, but in terms of the actual result, the vast experience within the spine of Switzerland’s side through the likes of Granit Xhaka, Ricardo Rodriguez and Yann Sommer in goal should give them the slight edge and see Murat Yakin’s men come out on top.
TIP: SWITZERLAND TO WIN & BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
