*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Portugal and Switzerland kick off their women’s Euro campaigns on Saturday in what is surely a must-win game for both nations. Both Portugal and Switzerland are rank outsiders in Group C, with Sweden and the Netherlands heavily tipped to go far in the tournament.
If either Portugal or Switzerland are to upset the odds and make it out of Group C, it is imperative that they get off to a winning start on Saturday.
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Portugal, who only qualified for the tournament after Russia were disqualified, are rightfully seen as outsiders on Saturday, with the chances of them following in the footsteps of the famous Denmark men’s team that won Euro 1992 after initially failing to qualify looking incredibly remote.
Switzerland, on the other hand, qualified for the tournament following a penalty shootout victory over Czech Republic but suffered humiliating recent friendly results, going down to 4-0 and 7-0 defeats against England and Germany respectively. The Swiss are yet to win in 2022 after recording a hugely impressive victory over Italy in World Cup qualification last November.
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WHAT: UEFA Euro 2020 – Group C: Switzerland v Portugal
WHEN: Saturday, July 9: 5pm
WHERE: Leigh – Leigh Sports Village
HOW TO WATCH: BB2, iPlayer
Want to know more about the two sides on show?
- Here’s our all-you-need-to-know guide to 50/1 tournament shouts Switzerland
- And find out why Portugal aren’t fancied coming into the tournament
Short-Priced Punt: Both Teams To Score
Switzerland have not kept a clean sheet in six games in 2022, conceding 18 goals in their last half a dozen games at a rate of three per game. That porous defensive record is in stark contrast with their defensive record at the tail end of 2021 when they kept an impressive five clean sheets in six games, conceding just one goal (in an impressive 2-1 win in Italy).
Portugal have kept three clean sheets in their last four games, but those did come against Greece (2) and Bulgaria, who are both ranked well below them in the FIFA World Rankings. The Portuguese have not kept a clean sheet against a team ranked above them since their goalless draw with Russia in their play-off second leg last April – a run of seven consecutive games.
Switzerland, who have failed to score in their last three games, can break their goalscoring duck on Saturday.
Value Play: Portugal To Win
Given that they qualified for the competition on merit, Switzerland have rightfully been installed as favourites for Saturday’s clash. However, their form in 2022 has left a lot to be desired. The Swiss are without a win in six games this year, losing four and drawing two, with three of their defeats coming by three goals or more.
Portugal, meanwhile, are unbeaten in four games going into the Euros, including an impressive 1-1 draw against Australia. There is a very good chance that Switzerland’s poor form could continue on Saturday, while Portugal may just give themselves a glimmer of hope of making it through the group stages. They also have a chance to win just their second game at an international tournament in their history.
Long Shot: Diana Silva to score & Portugal to win
Diana Silva’s move to Aston Villa may not have worked out, but she remains Portugal’s most important player ahead of their Euros campaign. Silva has scored three times during Portugal’s 2023 World Cup qualifying campaign, scoring the opening goal in their most recent game – a 3-0 win over Bulgaria in mid-April.
She managed just one goal during her maiden season at Aston Villa but had scored an impressive 90 goals in 104 appearances for Sporting Lisbon prior to that. Silva can make the difference on Saturday in a narrow Portugal win.
Portugal v Switzerland Tips
Portugal to win
Both teams to score
Diana Silva to score & Portugal to win
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
READ MORE
- Here’s our ULTIMATE preview guide to all 16 teams at Euro 2022
- Women’s Euro 2022 odds: Who are the favourites to win the trophy?
- When is the Women’s Euro 2022? Fixtures, groups, schedule & venues as England host
- Women’s Euros squads: Every team’s complete list of selected players for 2022 tournament
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