Switzerland vs Cameroon Prediction & Tips
Switzerland will take part in the fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup in Qatar, starting with a first-ever meeting with Cameroon. Murat Yakin’s team came through qualifying without losing a match and secured their place in the final tournament against European champions Italy. It’s a clear sign of their ability, especially as they conceded just two goals in the process, the fewest in European preliminaries.
The Swiss have also shown good form during the last international break, winning each of their last three UEFA Nations League matches. Despite last week’s defeat in their warm-up match against Ghana, the Swiss are undoubtedly confident after progressing from the group stage in their last two World Cup appearances, and also after beating France en route to the UEFA Euro 2020 quarter-finals.
Cameroon, however, will be a tough opponent to beat in what promises to be a difficult Group G, from which they will be trying to qualify for the first time since 1990. The African Lions came through a nail-biting play-off against Algeria to secure their place at the finals, but after two disappointing draws with Panama and Jamaica in their pre-tournament warm-up matches, they may not be in the best shape ahead of the opening game.
Manager Rigobert Song, who has played in four World Cups as a player for Cameroon, will be looking to bring his country’s first win at this competition since 2002. Having lost their last seven World Cup matches, just two short of Mexico’s all-time record of nine consecutive defeats, Cameroon will be looking to avoid another disappointment and get their campaign in Qatar off to a positive start.
Players to watch: Making his third World Cup appearance, Granit Xhaka will lead Switzerland after enjoying an excellent start to the season with Arsenal, in which he also scored four goals. Vincent Aboubakar, who will carry his country’s armband, scored eight times as Cameroon finished third at the last African Cup of Nations.
Interesting statistic: Switzerland has won its only previous meeting with African opponents at the World Cup – a 2-0 win over Togo in 2006.
World Cup trivia: Rigobert Song, now Cameroon’s coach, played for the African national team at the 1994 tournament at the age of 17 alongside 42-year-old Roger Milla, the biggest age gap between teammates at the World Cup.
Switzerland – Cameroon FREE TIPS
Switzerland – Win @ 1.75
